A shocking case of debt-driven desperation has emerged from Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, where a dairy farmer allegedly sold his kidney abroad after years of harassment and assault by moneylenders. The Chandrapur police have registered a case and arrested six individuals based on the complaint filed by 36-year-old Roshan Shivdas Kule, a resident of Mithur village in Nagbhid.
A Viral Infection That Sparked a Financial Nightmare
The ordeal began in 2021 when Kule's dairy business was hit by a viral infection that affected his 12 cows. He exhausted all his savings on treatment, but the cattle eventually died, plunging him into a severe financial crisis. To survive, he turned to local moneylenders, initiating a vicious cycle of borrowing.
According to the detailed First Information Report (FIR), Kule took a series of loans totaling Rs 12.25 lakh from four accused between February 2021 and April 2022. The complaint alleges that due to exorbitant interest rates and relentless pressure, he ended up paying a staggering Rs 48.53 lakh to these lenders. He faced years of harassment and physical assault over the pending dues.
The Desperate Journey to Sell a Kidney
With no options left, Kule made the drastic decision to sell his left kidney. His complaint states that he searched for the process online and contacted a person named Dr. Krishna based in Chennai. Following instructions, he traveled to Kolkata via the Gitanjali Express from Nagpur.
In Kolkata, a representative met him, took him for blood tests, and then flew him to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was admitted to a hospital there, where the kidney removal surgery was performed on October 14, 2024. He was discharged on October 26 and returned to India via Thiruvananthapuram airport.
Trapped in Exploitation in Laos
Even after sacrificing his organ, Kule's financial woes persisted. He then contacted another online agent who promised him employment abroad. Lured by this offer, he traveled to Bokeo city in Laos via Kolkata and Bangkok.
Upon arrival, he was forced to work under inhumane conditions at the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. When he sought help, the agent seized his passport and threatened that he would have to work there for life. In a state of fear, Kule managed to contact Bramhapuri MLA and former Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar via a call, seeking rescue.
Wadettiwar's office confirmed the intervention. His private secretary, Nilesh Harle, stated that Kule contacted them around July during the Monsoon Session. Harle coordinated with the Indian Embassy and local authorities to facilitate Kule's return to India.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Chandrapur Superintendent of Police Mummaka Sudarshan stated that an investigation is ongoing. "Many aspects, especially relating to the kidney extraction, are yet to be verified and will require a detailed probe. We expect to get clearer leads within a week," the SP said.
The police revealed that Kule was initially hesitant to file a formal complaint. He first shared his story with a local digital portal, and a video of his allegations went viral. This prompted the police to contact him again and insist on a formal complaint. During questioning, he produced proof of money transfers and his passport bearing a Cambodia immigration stamp.
The six accused have been booked under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, including extortion, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, conspiracy, and causing grievous hurt, along with relevant sections of the Maharashtra Money Lending (Regulation) Act. They are currently in police custody.
SP Sudarshan added that Kule will be sent for medical tests, including a sonography, to formally document the status of his kidneys as part of the evidence collection process.
