Kerala SIT arrests kingpin in organ trade racket in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Nedumbassery organ trade case has arrested a significant figure in the racket from Hyderabad. Bellamkonda Ram Prasad, also known as Prathapan, aged 41 and a native of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, was apprehended from a hotel in Hyderabad on Thursday. Following his arrest, he was brought to Kerala for further legal proceedings.
SIT targets main links in organ trade racket
Vaibhav Saxena, the Ernakulam rural district police chief leading the SIT, revealed that Prasad was a crucial link in the Nedumbassery case and other similar rackets. Prasad identified potential donors likely to match recipients, ensuring successful transplants. Investigations indicate that Prasad facilitated about 60% of donor matches in the Nedumbassery case, with no rejections. He used laboratories in Hyderabad for initial testing to confirm compatibility, a challenging task in organ transplantation.
Key accused in Kerala Organ Trade Racket Arrested in Hyderabad
In a major breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Nedumbassery organ trade case has arrested a significant figure in the racket from Hyderabad.
Bellamkonda Ram Prasad, also known as… pic.twitter.com/mYmUDSdPuf
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) June 2, 2024
Prasad contacted Madhu, another key figure believed to be in Iran. Recipients seeking donors approached Madhu, who then coordinated with Prasad. Prasad initially joined the racket to donate his kidney but was deemed unfit due to health issues. He then became an active member of the network. The SIT has arrested all main links of the racket in India, with only Madhu remaining at large. Efforts are ongoing to bring Madhu back from Iran.
Investigations uncovered that donors were transported to Iran, where they stayed in flats before being taken to private hospitals for transplants. Donors received up to Rs 6 lakh, while agents profited significantly more. Prasad, a prominent real estate businessman in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, was discreetly arrested by Kerala Police due to his political connections. The Hyderabad police were informed post-arrest. Prasad was presented in court and a production warrant was obtained to transfer him to Aluva.
Reports suggest Prasad exploited many villagers in Andhra Pradesh for organ trade. Two Malayalis, Sabith Nasar from Thrissur and Sajith Shyamraj from Kalamassery, were arrested earlier in connection with the case. Sabith Nasar disclosed that the gang’s operations were centered in Hyderabad, connecting with individuals for trafficking to Iran for organ transplants. Sabith became involved in this trade after selling his own kidney in 2019. His confession led the investigation to Hyderabad, uncovering an international organ smuggling ring spanning Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Iran. The gang used forged passports and Aadhaar cards to facilitate the transfer of individuals. Economically disadvantaged individuals were targeted, with organ donors compensated up to Rs 6 lakh, while the gang accumulated substantial profits.