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Kochi organ donation forgery racket probe to include hospitals, says Police Commissioner
Kerala police say a racket forging organ-donation documents has been uncovered, with six arrests including the alleged mastermind Najeeb. A statewide operation is underway and the investigation will extend to hospitals to determine SOPs and potential bypasses in the verification process.
Why It Matters
The case exposes vulnerabilities in the organ-donation verification system and potential hospital involvement, prompting a broader inquiry into procedures and safeguards.
Timeline
3 Events
May 11, 2026: Hospitals to be investigated for SOPs and possible knowledge of forgery
May 11, 2026
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said the probe will also examine the role of hospitals in the state, and whether the SOPs and procedures for organ donation verification were bypassed, with hospital involvement to be investigated as the case progresses.
May 11, 2026: Coordinated statewide raids; six arrested including mastermind Najeeb
May 11, 2026
In a joint operation by Ernakulam Rural Police and Kochi City Police, synchronized raids across Kerala from Kasaragod to Kollam led to the arrest of six persons connected to the racket. Najeeb, described as the alleged mastermind, was taken into custody from Uttar Pradesh. At least five cases have been registered so far. Police say the investigation will coordinate statewide.
Racket active since August 2023
August 2023
Police say the organ-donation forgery racket has been active since August 2023, forging letterheads of two private hospitals in Kochi, fake police clearance certificates, and forged letters and letterheads in the names of various political figures and others used in the donor-recipient verification process.