BackLAW
Mohali: Nepalese kidney donor got ₹7 lakh for transplant, says police
Police investigations into an illegal kidney transplant case linked to a private hospital in Kharar indicate the Nepalese donor was paid about ₹7 lakh. The recipient, Varinderpal of Delhi, is in custody and awaiting medical clearance before arrest; three others have been arrested, with more actions anticipated. The probe is examining how donor and recipient were connected, travel arrangements, and financial transactions, following a hospital raid and ongoing verification of the transplant location and procedures.
Why It Matters
The case highlights illicit organ transplant networks and cross-border trafficking, underscoring law enforcement efforts to dismantle such operations and strengthen procedural safeguards.
Timeline
8 Events
Ongoing probe into financials and documents
May 6, 2026
Investigations are examining the financial transaction and travel details, as well as medical approvals and identity records, to determine due procedures and identify other possible accomplices.
Donor identified as Ashish Thaman
May 6, 2026
The donor has been identified as Ashish Thaman, a Nepalese national, who was brought to India through arrangements made by the accused.
Exact transplant location under verification
May 6, 2026
Officials stated that the exact location of the transplant procedure is still under verification.
Hospital raid leads to sealing of Sukh Seva hospital
May 6, 2026
The case surfaced after a raid at Sukh Seva Multi-Specialty Hospital, following which the facility was sealed.
Absconding surgeon arranged donor travel
May 6, 2026
Investigation indicates the absconding surgeon who performed the transplant arranged for donor Ashish Thaman to travel from Nepal to Punjab.
Three arrests confirmed in connection with case
May 6, 2026
Police said three persons have been arrested so far in connection with the case, with the recipient likely to be arrested after recovery.
Recipient Varinderpal from Delhi taken into custody
May 6, 2026
The recipient, Varinderpal from Delhi, has been taken into custody and is under medical observation; he will be formally arrested once declared fit.
Probe reveals donor paid ₹7 lakh for transplant
May 6, 2026
A probe into the illegal kidney transplant case revealed the Nepalese donor was paid around ₹7 lakh for the procedure, linked to a private hospital in Kharar.