Nadia Teacher Faces Arrest Over Alleged Sale of Deceased Mother's Eyes
In a shocking incident from Krishnanagar in Nadia district, a school teacher and social worker was arrested following serious allegations that he sold his deceased mother's eyes instead of donating them. The teacher, identified as Amir Chand Sheikh, has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that he possesses official documentation proving the corneas were legally donated to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.
Controversy Erupts Over Police Action Amid Land Dispute
The arrest of Amir Chand Sheikh has ignited a significant controversy, with critical questions being raised regarding the police's decision to act based solely on complaints from villagers. These villagers are allegedly embroiled in a long-standing land dispute with Sheikh's family, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
According to police and local sources, villagers accused Sheikh of selling his mother's eyes after her recent death, which led to heightened tensions in the Kotwali police station area. The police proceeded with the arrest based on these complaints from local residents.
Teacher Claims Conspiracy and Provides Evidence
Sheikh has firmly denied all charges, stating, "I am being framed. Five to seven people from the neighbourhood have conspired against me out of jealousy. Their intention is to destroy my career." He explained that following his mother's death, he donated her eyes in accordance with her wishes, contacting a registered voluntary organization and completing the donation process following established medical procedures.
Officials confirmed that the organization verified the donated corneas were sent to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, adhering to all protocols. Proper receipts and documentation were issued, supporting Sheikh's claims of a lawful donation.
Medical Authorities Defend Standard Eye Donation Procedures
Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Ranjit Kumar Das emphasized the legitimacy of the process, stating, "This is the standard procedure for eye donation. There is absolutely no question of selling eyes in this process." This statement underscores the medical community's support for Sheikh's actions as part of a noble and regulated practice.
Physician Utpal Bandyopadhyay commented on the broader issue, noting, "Eye donation is a noble and socially significant act. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness and proper dissemination of information about such programmes, misconceptions spread easily among the public." His remarks highlight the challenges of public misunderstanding in sensitive matters like organ donation.
Underlying Land Dispute Fuels Allegations
The incident appears to be deeply intertwined with a pre-existing land dispute between Sheikh's family and a section of villagers. This context suggests that the allegations may have been motivated by personal vendettas rather than factual evidence, raising concerns about the misuse of legal systems in local conflicts.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of how misinformation and community tensions can escalate into serious legal confrontations, potentially undermining genuine acts of charity and social service.
