A kidney fraud allegation linked to Julie, who gained prominence during the Jallikattu protests and later through the television show Bigg Boss and now seen campaigning for the DMK, has escalated, with a formal complaint now submitted to a court-appointed investigation team, as reported in Vikatan.
Advocate Nelson and Trichy-based social activist Karthik, representing affected individuals, have submitted a complaint along with evidence to IG Premanand Sinha, who was appointed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to investigate kidney fraud cases.
Speaking about the developments, Karthik stated that the issue came to light unexpectedly through a video posted on social media. He said that Julie had earlier released a video criticising actor and TVK leader Vijay over his remarks on Jallikattu. Reacting to that, Karthik posted a counter video criticising Julie and accusing her of seeking publicity.
He said that a woman commented on that video and revealed shocking allegations for the first time. According to the woman, one of her relatives required a kidney transplant, and through a friend, she was introduced to Julie and her associate Sharmila, who allegedly claimed they could arrange the procedure.
The woman reportedly stated that they met Julie and Sharmila and proceeded based on their assurances. While the transplant surgery was carried out, the patient died shortly thereafter. When questioned about the outcome despite spending several lakhs of rupees, the accused allegedly failed to provide clear answers. The woman further claimed that at one point, they were warned to drop the matter and were told that they could face trouble if they pursued it further, after which they chose not to continue.
Karthik said that after he released a video alleging Julie’s links to a kidney fraud network based on this testimony, another individual – a young man from Puducherry working abroad, contacted him with a separate complaint.
According to Karthik, the man’s father required a kidney transplant, and as per regulations, donor consent and documentation were necessary. He alleged that Julie, who was associated with an NGO conducting medical camps, used such camps to identify patients in need of transplants. He further claimed that the network appeared to have access to information about individuals willing to sell kidneys for money, indicating the presence of a larger organised network.
Karthik stated that through such a connection, Julie and her associate Sharmila, along with another individual identified as Julie’s husband, proposed a plan to the Puducherry youth. They allegedly told him that a donor was available and that documentation could be arranged to falsely show the donor as a relative through contacts in the Revenue Department, but that it would involve significant expenses.
He alleged that the group collected an advance of up to ₹9 lakh from the youth. However, before the transplant could take place, the man’s father passed away. When the youth demanded a refund, the group allegedly delayed and avoided responding.
The youth reportedly visited an address behind a well-known hotel on Arcot Road in Vadapalani, Chennai, where the initial discussions had taken place. Karthik stated that when the youth confronted them along with friends and threatened to approach the media and police, Julie and her associates allegedly returned ₹8 lakh within an hour.
Karthik said these were only two of several such cases and claimed that they possessed documentary evidence of financial transactions and meetings involving Julie. He added that multiple affected individuals were willing to come forward, prompting them to pursue legal action. He approached advocate Nelson, who initiated formal legal steps, and the complaint was subsequently submitted to the special investigation team.
Karthik further alleged that after he intervened in the issue, police personnel visited his residence in Trichy. He said he informed them that he would cooperate with any lawful inquiry if summoned formally, after which the police left and did not return.
Advocate Nelson stated that a large network was operating behind kidney frauds in Tamil Nadu, allegedly involving intermediaries, certain medical professionals, and individuals willing to sell organs. He said that given the seriousness of the matter, all evidence had been submitted to the IG leading the probe.
He indicated that due to the ongoing elections, immediate action might be delayed, but further legal steps, including filing cases on behalf of affected individuals, would be pursued after the elections. He also stated that Julie had filed a police complaint regarding the videos and had attempted to politicise the issue, but asserted that no political party was behind the allegations.
When contacted for a response, Julie’s husband, Mohammed Iqreem, answered the call and initially stated that Julie would respond. However, he later said she was not present and declined to comment further, stating that he was unaware of the matter before disconnecting the call.
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