Maharashtra CM orders SIT probe in Chandrapur kidney racket case

NAGPUR/CHANDRAPUR: The Maharashtra govt has set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the Chandrapur kidney racket after allegations surfaced that farmers were coerced by illegal moneylenders into selling their kidneys to repay debts.

The case triggered statewide concern on exploitative lending practices and possible international organ trafficking links. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said CM Devendra Fadnavis took "serious cognisance" of the case involving a farmer from Nagbhid, Roshan Kule, in Chandrapur district who alleged that harassment by private moneylenders forced him to sell his kidney in Cambodia. "The CM constituted an SIT to probe this deeply disturbing incident.

Action was already initiated against those involved in illegal money lending, and the concerned moneylenders were arrested," he said, adding "stricter action will follow and no guilty person will be spared."As the probe gathered pace, another case of alleged financial exploitation emerged from Brahmapuri, highlighting what police described as the expanding footprint of illegal money lending in the district.

A private firm employee complained that after borrowing Rs 8.5 lakh, he was allegedly forced to repay Rs 31.42 lakh, pledging gold, liquidating investments and mortgaging his house. Police registered a case against moneylender Laxman Urkude under provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Money-Lending (Regulation) Act.

Urkude is also an accused in the Kule case.Earlier, the farmer Roshan Kule of Minthur village borrowed Rs1 lakh, but the amount allegedly ballooned to several lakhs due to usurious interest. He was subsequently taken to Cambodia, where one of his kidneys was removed through an illegal transplant, and later sent to Laos on the pretext of employment. "This case involves exploitation of vulnerable farmers and points to a larger organised network," Bawankule said.Chandrapur police formed the SIT led by additional superintendent of police, Ishwar Katkade, with senior officers from local crime branch and cyber police included in the team.