I wanted better future for family... was offered ₹4 lakh for day’s work: Kidney racket victim
The victims came in search of livelihood to provide a better future for their families, but were forced to make the hard choice of selling off kidneys once jobs proved elusive
They came in search of livelihood to provide a better future for their families, but were forced to make the hard choice of selling off kidneys once jobs proved elusive.
It is the common link connecting the four people, who were apprehended along with middlemen in the kidney racket running from the Gangotri Charitable Hospital. Located on the Dehradun–Haridwar national highway, the Gangotri Charitable Hospital would allegedly open only when there was any “operation” on schedule. The men were intercepted when they were going to Delhi to collect payments.
“I am from a poor family, with no ancestral agriculture land or resources to properly feed my family. Then I came in contact with some agent who assured me of providing employment in a company. But, when we came here we were given a proposal to earn anywhere between ₹3-4 lakh in a single day by giving our kidney. Initially, I was shocked to hear this but the thought of returning and starting on my own with this money came up in the mind,” said Bhawaji Bhai.
The 48-year-old man from Gujarat had consented to give kidney but retracted at the last moment.
Sheikh Taj Ali Ahmed, 28, whose kidney was removed at the hospital, now rues his decision. “We were offered around ₹3.60 lakh but when I asked for the said amount after the surgery, the middlemen dilly-dallied on payment. From operating doctor, medical staff members to middlemen, their behaviour changed after the surgery. I realised the huge mistake I had made and yelled for help... I have lost both kidney and money,” a weeping Ahmed said.
The men said the hospital was well equipped with three operation theatres and 20 beds in ICU. “We were asked to provide contact details of individuals who would easily give consent for kidney removal in lieu of money. Middlemen accompanied us throughout our arrival, stay and departure. We were strictly told not to interact with fellow patients or nursing staff, else they would not give full payment,” Ahmed added.
Chief medical officer, Haridwar, Dr Ravindra Thapliyal said ultrasound and primary medical checkup of the two kidney illegal donors on Monday confirmed removal of kidneys and medicines were given to prevent spread of infection which is common after surgeries. “The patients were discharged and are under police security cover at an undisclosed location,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Madan Kaushik said the government has ordered a probe into this matter and the police still investigating further to trace the organ racket.