Kochi Organ Donation Forgery Racket Kingpin Arrested in Uttar Pradesh

Kerala Police have intensified their investigation into a suspected organised organ donation racket after arresting alleged mastermind Mohammed Najeeb Kallatra in Uttar Pradesh following a nationwide manhunt. Investigators believe the network operated under the guise of medical tourism and may have interstate and international links.

According to Ernakulam Rural Police, Najeeb, a native of Kasaragod residing in Peringala near Kochi, switched off his mobile phone and fled Kerala after the racket was exposed. Police tracked him through a scientific investigation and arrested him before he could allegedly escape to Nepal. Reports said he was traced near the Delhi-Ghaziabad border after evading surveillance at a Delhi hotel.

Police suspect Najeeb and his wife Rasheeda operated Kallatra Medical Tourism Pvt. Ltd. from Edathala as a front for arranging illegal organ donations. Investigators allege the gang forged fake Aadhaar cards, consent forms, police clearances , altruism certificates, hospital records and recommendation letters to falsely show donors as close relatives of recipients.

The racket allegedly used forged letterheads of hospitals, MPs, MLAs, judges, senior police officers and prominent doctors. Police said fake documents were digitally prepared at DTP centres and studios in Kunnathunadu and Pallikkara, then circulated through WhatsApp for printing and distribution.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe possible illegal transplants, financial transactions, and the role of hospitals, intermediaries and donors. Multiple arrests have already been made, while police suspect economically vulnerable people were exploited for organ trafficking .