Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu has become the center of a widening kidney trafficking scandal after a local news investigation revealed that more than 90 women, mostly poor daily wage laborers, were allegedly exploited by an illegal organ trade network operating in the region. It was reported that in Pallipalayam and Kumarapalayam, the surrounding areas of Namakkal district, this kidney trade was taking place actively.
At the centre of the controversy is M. Anandan, a 52-year-old man identified as the key broker, who has now gone into hiding. He is also known as “Dravida Anandan,” the key figure in the racket. He is reportedly a local-level party speaker for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Anampalayam Perur and is currently absconding. Investigators from the Revenue Department, Police Department, and Health Department, divided into three teams, are actively searching for him. His house in the Alampalayam Ayakkattur area, Annai Sathya Nagar, Pallipalayam, was found locked, and his mobile phone has been switched off since the investigation began.
According to preliminary findings, the women’s kidneys were surgically removed at two private hospitals in Trichy – Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital and Siddhar Hospital. These details were confirmed by victims who admitted to selling their kidneys for ₹5 lakh each.
Authorities have also recovered suspicious materials from Anandan’s residence, including forged documents, government seals, and official uniforms. Investigators believe these were used to facilitate the illegal operations under a pretense of legitimacy. There are reports that some of the trafficked kidneys may have been sent to other states and even across the border to Sri Lanka.
Officials say that further details regarding the scale and organization of the racket, including the possible involvement of intermediaries and hospital officials, can only be confirmed once Anandan is apprehended and interrogated. However, law enforcement has noted a significant challenge: most of the women involved are unwilling to file complaints due to fear of legal repercussions and social stigma.
Despite the magnitude of the case and the scale of alleged human rights violations, police sources have stated that action against Anandan may be contingent upon formal complaints being lodged – an unlikely development given the victims’ hesitation.
கிட்னி புரோக்கர் ஆனந்தன் – நடவடிக்கை பாயுமா?#Namakkal #Kidneyhealth #Kidneytheft #Kidney #Collector #NamakkalCollector #TamilNews #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/BEqP3OVK7L
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) July 17, 2025
Authorities Respond with Official Complaint and Government-Led Probe
Following media reports and public outrage, a formal complaint has now been lodged against Anandan at the Pallipalayam police station. The complaint was filed by Dr. Veeramani, the medical officer at the Pallipalayam Government Hospital.
Anandan, originally from Tiruppur, had been residing in Pallipalayam for the past six months, allegedly using the location as a base for his organ trafficking network. A government-led probe headed by Namakkal District Health Services Joint Director Dr. Rajmohan was initiated under the instructions of District Collector Durga Moorthy. Kumarapalayam Taluk Officer Sivakumar and police officials were also part of the investigation team that attempted to locate Anandan at his residence.
Despite attempts, Anandan was not found and remains absconding.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian responded to the revelations by warning that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in illegal organ trade. “Only voluntary organ donation is legal in Tamil Nadu. Any sale of organs is a serious crime, and those responsible will not be spared,” he said. The Minister added that Tamil Nadu remains a leader in the country for legitimate organ donations and commercial violations would be dealt with severely.
(With inputs from Times Of India)
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