Racket innovates to expand kidney biz

An inter-state kidney racket with Kolkata as its base has come up with a novel method to scout for new victims. People who have earlier sold their kidneys to the racket are now acting as sourcing agents in lieu of lucrative commission.

The new method of luring victims was unraveled after the arrest of kingpin Tanmoy Das by the detective department (DD) of the Kolkata Police on Wednesday. According to an investigating officer, Das was the main agent of a Delhi-based racket in Kolkata. 
On the basis of information gathered from Das, police nabbed three donor-turned-agents. The trio — HK Dubey, P Mondal and M Chatterjee — came from impoverished backgrounds.

Deputy commissioner (DD-1) Z Shamim said the three accused had sold their kidneys for Rs50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 to the racket operated by Das. “Later they turned into Das’s sourcing agent and got a commission per victim,” he said.

The police said Das had revealed the names of several donor-turned-agents and subsequent raids would be conducted to nab them. A detective said the donor-turned agents usually got Rs10,000 and a cell phone for every new victim. The police are also keeping a watch on major hospitals and nursing homes in and around Kolkata to identify employees who may be involved in the racket.