In a significant development in a harrowing case of financial exploitation and organ trafficking, the Bramhapuri police in Chandrapur have arrested the sixth absconding moneylender. This individual is accused of pushing a marginal farmer into a crippling debt trap and allegedly coercing him into selling his kidney.
The Arrest and The Accused
Manish Ghatbandhe (42), a private moneylender from Patel Nagar in Brahmapuri, was finally apprehended by the police on Wednesday. Ghatbandhe had been evading arrest ever since the shocking case came to light. With his detention, he becomes the seventh accused to be arrested in this complex and disturbing investigation.
The arrest marks a crucial step in the probe, which began after the plight of farmer Roshan Kule from Minthur village in Nagbhid taluka was uncovered. Kule's ordeal began when he took a loan of Rs 1 lakh from Ghatbandhe and five other moneylenders. They charged him an exorbitant and illegal interest rate of up to 40% per month.
A Debt That Spiralled Out of Control
Due to the ruthless compound interest, what started as a one lakh rupee loan ballooned into a staggering liability of nearly Rs 74 lakh. In a desperate attempt to clear the debt, Kule was forced to sell his assets and repaid about Rs 48 lakh. However, a massive debt still remained. It was at this point, investigators allege, that the moneylenders coerced him into selling his kidney to settle the remaining amount.
The case took a more sinister turn with the arrest of a key suspect, kidney trade agent Mallesh alias Dr Krishna, from Solapur on Sunday. His interrogation has provided fresh leads to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), suggesting the operation might be part of a larger, well-organized racket.
SIT Intensifies Probe into International Racket
The nine-member SIT, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ishwar Katakde, has now intensified its investigation into the suspected kidney trafficking network. Based on the crucial information extracted from Mallesh, the police suspect the racket has international links.
Multiple police teams have been dispatched across regions to track down and arrest more suspects connected to this illicit trade. The investigation is now focusing on unraveling the entire chain, from the moneylenders who trap victims in debt to the agents and medical intermediaries involved in the illegal organ trade.
This case has shed a harsh light on the predatory practices of illegal moneylenders in rural areas and the extreme lengths to which victims can be pushed. The Chandrapur police's continued efforts aim to bring all perpetrators to justice and dismantle the trafficking network completely.
