Kochi Police Launch Investigation into Organ Transplant Fraud Case
Central police in Kochi have initiated a detailed investigation against a man accused of defrauding Rs 90,000 from a woman by falsely promising to arrange a donor for her husband's critical organ transplantation. The case highlights the vulnerability of desperate families in medical emergencies.
Victim's Desperate Situation Leads to Fraud
Police registered the case based on a complaint filed by a 43-year-old woman identified as Remya. According to her statement, her husband Satheesh Chandran suffers from severe kidney and liver ailments and urgently requires an organ transplant to survive. His condition was described as critical, necessitating a double transplantation.
The complainant revealed that her husband was listed very low on the Mrithasanjeevani wait list for organ recipients, which left the family feeling desperate and compelled to explore alternative options outside the official system. This desperation made them susceptible to fraudulent offers.
How the Fraud Was Executed
Remya learned about the accused, Hari Prasad, through a relative. She and her family members met him at a mall located on MG Road in Kochi. During this meeting, Prasad offered to arrange a matching donor for her husband's transplant if they paid a total amount of Rs 26 lakh.
He convinced the family to make an immediate partial payment so he could begin the process of securing a donor, leading Remya to transfer Rs 90,000 to Prasad through two separate UPI transactions. Subsequently, Prasad introduced a man to the family who was presented as a potential donor.
However, it was quickly discovered that this individual did not even have the same blood group as Satheesh Chandran, rendering the arrangement impossible. Following this revelation, Prasad cut off all communication with the family, leaving them without the promised assistance and out of pocket.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
Kochi Central Police have registered the case under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections pertain to criminal breach of trust and cheating by dishonestly inducing delivery of property, reflecting the serious nature of the offense.
Investigators have begun the process of identifying the accused based on the UPI transaction details provided by the complainant. Sources indicate that Prasad's exact address has not yet been identified, adding complexity to the case.
Currently, the accused's phone is switched off, but police are optimistic that an investigation into the money trail will soon reveal his identity and whereabouts. This case underscores the risks associated with unofficial organ donation arrangements and the importance of adhering to legal medical protocols.
