Police Intensify Probe Into Kochi Organ Trafficking Racket

Kochi: Police have expanded the investigation into the organ trafficking racket that operated using forged documents, with a special 15-member team now assigned to probe the case in Kochi.

According to Kochi City Police, the team will function under the leadership of City Deputy Commissioner Shaheen Shah and Thrikkakara ACP Manoj Kumar. Inspectors from Ambalamedu, Infopark, and Udayamperoor police stations, along with four sub-inspectors, are part of the investigation team. Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the probe is based on a case registered at Ambalamedu Police Station.

A separate investigation is already being conducted by a team led by K S Sudarshan.

The development comes after the arrest of alleged kingpin Mohammed Najeeb and several others linked to the racket. Investigators suspect the network had interstate and international connections and may have facilitated illegal organ trade for numerous individuals under the guise of medical tourism.

Police said forged consent forms, affidavits, certificates, and police clearance documents were systematically created to enable illegal organ transplants. Authorities have already seized a large number of fake digital and printed records, including forged letterheads allegedly bearing the names of hospitals, doctors, MLAs, MPs, local self-government institutions, and police departments.

Officials indicated that private hospitals may also come under scrutiny if evidence emerges showing institutional involvement or negligence. Statements from doctors and hospital staff are expected to be recorded in the coming days.

Among those previously arrested are Najeeb’s wife Rasheeda, along with Sunny Varghese, Sini Varghese, Sanoj, Sreeja, and Sudheer.

Police believe the group had been active across Kerala since August 2023, primarily operating in Ernakulam, Kollam, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

Raids conducted at locations including communication centres and digital studios uncovered computers allegedly used to fabricate seals, forged letterheads, police clearance certificates, and hospital documents. Fake records linked to kidney donors and recipients, along with hard disks and mobile phones, were also seized from multiple premises.

Investigators are now examining whether the racket had links with foreign countries and networks operating in northern Indian states.