Cops arrest Akola kidney racket mastermind

The Akola police have arrested Shivaji Koli, the alleged mastermind behind the kidney racket that was busted in Akola last week. Koli was arrested from his Sangli residence on Sunday night. Earlier, the police arrested two persons in this connection.

The police had earlier arrested a moneylender and his agent who had sent a daily-wage worker to Sri Lanka to sell his kidney for Rs20,000.

During the investigation carried out by the local crime branch, it was reported that Koli orchestrated the whole racket through his contacts. He was able to do this as he had donated his kidney 12 years back to his 'sister' Patvardhan. However, an investigating officer said: "Koli has allegedly donated his kidney to his sister Patvardhan. But this does not only look like a fake story but it also hints at the fact that he might have sold off his kidney for money."

According to police sources, it's likely that many others are also involved in the racket. So far, five victims have approached the police. On Monday, Koli was produced in the Akola district court, which sent him to police custody till Decemeber 18.