In a disturbing and deeply unsettling turn in the Namakkal kidney trafficking case allegedly linked to DMK functionaries another 52 individuals have come forward to testify that they had sold their kidneys as far back as 30 years ago. What was initially thought to be a localized crime targeting powerloom wage workers and women in the Kumarapalayam area of Namakkal district now appears to be part of a vast and vicious organ trafficking network that stretches across Tamil Nadu and beyond including Tirunelveli, Bangalore, Kerala, Chennai, and hospitals near Tambaram.
Victims Speak: Stories of Desperation, Debt, and Decay
Sujata, speaking to reporters, shared how she gave up her kidney 20 years ago due to unbearable debt. She said, “It’s been 20 years since we gave it. We only gave it for ₹30 (30,000) back then. We went and asked in Kerala. There was a debt issue of ₹50,000. We went there to pay back ₹30,000 of that ₹50,000.”
Another woman, Papathi, revealed that she underwent her kidney removal at Aravind Hospital in Coimbatore two decades ago. She said, “It’s been 20 years since I gave this. Aravind Hospital in Coimbatore. They gave ₹50 (₹50,000).” When asked if she was given any documents, she simply replied, “Nothing was given.”
Forced by Abandonment and Poverty
Gandhi and Shanthi, two women who were left by their husbands, were pushed into kidney donation under extreme financial distress.
Gandhi said, “It’s been 30 years since I gave it.” When asked where the operation was done, she replied, “Kovai Medical.” When the reporter asked how much she received, she answered, “They gave us… 45 (₹45,000).” Asked why she gave her kidney, she said, “Back then, it was very difficult. My husband left me. I had two small children. I couldn’t support them. My husband took a lot of loans and left. I couldn’t pay that debt. So, in that situation, I went and gave it.” When asked through whom she approached the hospital, she said, “That lady is no more. She passed away.”
Shanthi recalled her ordeal with similar anguish, “I gave it when I was 21. It was difficult then. Difficult even for food. We were weaving in workshop, and it became debt. My husband left me unable to pay the debt. So, because I couldn’t pay the debt, I gave it for this. They only gave ₹30,000 there. They spoke about ₹30,000, but they only gave ₹20,000-₹25,000 to our hands.”
Tragedy and Death After Donation
Another victim, Bakiyammal shared how her husband succumbed to illness after donating his kidney. She said, “Only my husband gave it. He couldn’t bear the debt, so he gave his kidney. Then his body became very weak. He couldn’t bear the pain for these three years and passed away.”
Other victims echoed that they gave up their kidneys to clear debts but are now suffering long-term health consequences.
One woman said, “I gave it because of hardship. My husband passed away. It’s been 30 years since I gave it.” Asked how much she received, she said, “I gave it for one lakh.” Asked where, she replied, “In Chennai.” Pressed for the hospital name, she said, “Tambaram. If you go a little distance from Tambaram bus stand, there’s a big hospital. We went through a boy from Vepanai.” Asked about her current health, she admitted, “There’s still some pain now.”
When reporter asked another woman, “How much did you give for your kidney?” She answered, “₹30,000.” Again, she was asked, “Which hospital?” She revealed, “In Bangalore.” he asked, “Do you know which hospital in Bangalore?” She said, “Rexide… In Bangalore.” When asked, “Did you give it for debt?” she acknowledged and said, “I gave it for debt.”
Another female victim recounted her experience when questioned. When asked how much she was paid for her kidney, she replied, “₹35,000.” She said she had undergone the procedure in Tirunelveli. When the reporter asked which hospital it was, she responded, “I’ve forgotten the hospital name now. It’s been a long time.” The reporter then asked through whom she had gone to give her kidney, to which she answered, “She has passed away now, hasn’t she?” confirming that the woman who facilitated it was no longer alive. When asked if she had to submit any documents or an Aadhaar card, she replied, “They didn’t ask for anything like that back then. There was no Aadhaar card then.”
The Price of Poverty: ₹5,000 for a Kidney
Raju, another victim, lamented his ordeal as he gave it for mere ₹5,000. “I gave it in 2000. I was 40 then, now 64. It’s been 25 years. I gave it for a debt of ₹5,000. Back then, we were weaving, and there was no weaving wage. Even if we wove, the wage was only ₹200-₹300 then. So I gave it for a ₹5,000 debt.”
Pain, Disability, and Lifelong Regret
One woman explained how the surgery left her crippled, “Now I can’t weave. My hands and legs feel like they’re cramping. I can’t sit on the floor. I can only sit if it’s elevated like this. I can’t sit on the ground. Even if I go to the bathroom, I can’t sit there.”
Another woman shared her account, saying, “They gave about ₹30,000–₹40,000 for the kidney.” When asked where the procedure took place, she replied, “They gave it in Coimbatore.” When pressed further about the hospital’s name, she admitted, “I don’t know the name of that hospital.” Recalling her condition post-surgery, she said, “My body was fine then. Now it’s difficult.”
In a particularly shocking case, Kamala, an elderly woman, revealed that she had sold her kidney just six years ago. Describing the pain she continues to endure. When asked how she was taken to the hospital, she explained, “There’s a woman named Ponnayi here, along with her.” When the reporter clarified, “You went through a broker?” Kamala nodded, “They took me.” Asked about her current physical state compared to before the surgery, she replied with visible distress, “My body aches.” When the reporter asked again, “Your body aches?” she confirmed, “Yes, it aches where they took it. I can’t work easily. My hands and legs feel tired. My legs feel tingly.”
Crushed by Poverty, Crippled for Life
One elderly man, Subramani broke down while speaking to the reporter, overcome with the weight of his past. “My wife and son have lost their lives. I have seven children in Namakkal Periyar Math. I’m just stumbling here and there, that’s all. Leg pain.” The reporter gently asked, “How much did you give?” The man replied bitterly, “For just ₹20,000, nothing more.” Trying to get clarity, the reporter asked, “In which city did you give it?” “In Bangalore,” he said. “And how is your body now?” “Now I can’t sit up and get up,” he said, “Only life remains.”
Another elderly woman, Lakshmi, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “I gave it 30 years ago.” He asked, “In which city?” “In Coimbatore,” she answered. When asked, “Why did you give your kidney?” she replied, “It was due to many difficulties, so we gave it. That’s all.” “Did you go through a broker?” the reporter questioned. “Yes, sir,” she confirmed. “Do you know the hospital?” she said softly, “It was a kidney center.” Finally, the reporter asked, “How is your body now compared to before?” Lakshmi said, “I had four surgeries. I can’t. I can’t even speak.”
These harrowing testimonials lay bare the long-running horror of organ trafficking in southern India. With more victims coming forward, the depth and geographical spread of the alleged kidney trade network are now undeniable. Many are still suffering from chronic pain, financial ruin, and physical incapacity all while the system that exploited them remains largely unpunished.
Authorities face increasing pressure to act decisively and bring justice to the voiceless victims whose bodies still bear the scars of desperation.
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