Kochi: The Ernakulam Rural Police on Wednesday secured the custody of Mohammed Najeeb (53), the alleged mastermind behind a forgery racket linked to illegal organ trading, and his wife Rasheeda (37), for detailed interrogation. The police presented the duo before the Kolenchery judicial first class magistrate court, arguing that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the racket. The racket is suspected to have facilitated illegal organ transplants across multiple districts in Kerala and possibly other states as well.
Background of the Accused
Mohammed Najeeb has a criminal background and is listed as an accused in 12 cases, including the 2017 Mangalapuram goonda gang murder. He was operating a medical tourism firm named Kallatras Medical Tourism Pvt Ltd, according to an FIR registered by Vadakkekara police. Investigators said that seized records revealed the use of forged documents to facilitate organ donations. The records included discharge summaries from a prominent private hospital in the city and government documents that had previously rejected permission for organ donation.
Police Investigation
Police have registered multiple FIRs in connection with the case. After hearing the police submissions, the court granted the custody plea and ordered that both accused remain in police custody until May 18. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on identifying other individuals involved in the racket and the hospitals where illegal transplants may have taken place.
