Vizag Kidney Scam Expands to Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The sensational Visakhapatnam kidney racket, which first came to light in May 2023, has now been linked to a similar illegal network operating in Hyderabad. The Rachakonda police revealed that Dr. Perumalla Rajasekhar, the prime accused in the Visakhapatnam case, has resumed his illegal operations in Hyderabad after being jailed in Andhra Pradesh.  

From Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad: A Widening Network  

The case initially surfaced in the Pendurthi area of Visakhapatnam when an illegal kidney transplant was discovered. Investigations revealed that a victim's kidney had been unlawfully removed and transplanted into a recipient from Chhattisgarh. The police arrested Dr. Rajasekhar, along with ten others, in connection with the racket.  

However, despite his imprisonment, Rajasekhar allegedly revived his illegal business in Hyderabad in 2024, operating through Alaknanda Hospital under the directives of a person identified as Pawan Gang. Police found that he was charging up to ₹5 lakh per surgery.  

Role of Other Key Accused  

Authorities have also identified a doctor from Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Sahib, as a key player in the racket. Special police teams have been deployed to locate and apprehend him. Additionally, names such as Pawan, Poorna, and Laxman—previously arrested in the Visakhapatnam case—have resurfaced in the Hyderabad investigation, strengthening suspicions of a deep-rooted connection between the two networks.  

Mystery Surrounding Kidney Recipients  

While police have identified the key culprits behind the illegal transplants, the details of the kidney recipients remain unknown. Investigators suspect that confidential patient data from hospitals, particularly those treating kidney ailments, might have been leaked to the gang.  

Further complicating the case is the gang’s use of encrypted communication. Reports suggest that all discussions regarding donors, recipients, and surgeries were conducted via WhatsApp, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace the full extent of their operations.  

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests  

In a major breakthrough, Saroornagar police arrested Dr. Rajasekhar, a resident of Perumbalam in Chennai, and brought him to Hyderabad. He was remanded on Monday. Authorities have now widened the investigation to establish deeper links between the Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad networks.  

Analysts believe that until law enforcement uncovers the full extent of the racket, the case will remain shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, police are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend all those involved in this illicit organ trade.