A nephrologist and a transplant coordinator were detained by the Visakhapatnam police on suspicion of deceiving a patient after taking up advance payment for an organ transplant.

A special team headed by Police Commissioner Shanka Bagchi has been tasked with looking into the kidney racket that involves criminal organizations. Subsequently, Dr. Vani, a nephrologist, and Anil, an agent of a private hospital, were the targets of a case filed by the Dwaraka police. They are accused of deceiving Moola Venkata Satyanarayana Gopi, a resident, by promising to be able to find a kidney donor for his spouse Sarada Lakshmi. The case was filed in accordance with IPC Section 420 r/w 34.

Kidney transplantation was necessary for Lakshmi, 37. None of Gopi's other relatives shared the same blood type. For a kidney transplant for his wife in September 2022, Gopi registered with AP Jeevandan, a state-run organ donation program.

In a state of desperation, Gopi sought the advice of private hospital nephrologist Dr. Vani in Vizag city, as his wife's condition continued to deteriorate. Gopi was instructed to get in touch with Anil, the transplant coordinator.

Anil told Gopi that the treatment would cost Rs 27 lakh and that organ donors were available. He requested an advance of Rs. 10 lakh.

After borrowing the funds from his friend, Gopi paid Rs 10 lakh in advance in two installments in March and April of 2024. Anil rushed off the scene without giving a receipt.

Luckily, Lakshmi was able to receive a kidney from Jeevandan, which allowed her to live a longer and healthier life.

Gopi requested the advance money be returned from the coordinator and the nephrologist. According to Dr. Vani, she did not accept payment. Later, Anil stated he would return the money, saying it was with another doctor. He warned Gopi not to return to the hospital.

Gopi reported the deception to the Dwaraka police station after realizing he had been duped.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)