In a disturbing development in the Namakkal kidney trafficking case that earlier sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, investigators have uncovered allegations that a woman was taken abroad to Singapore in 2016, where her kidney was removed after she was allegedly deceived with promises of financial relief. The case is now being probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), following fresh revelations during the ongoing inquiry.

According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Pallipalayam area in Namakkal district, was targeted while her family was struggling under severe debt and harassment from moneylenders. Her husband was employed at a well-known textile shop in Salem, and it is alleged that the shop owner required a kidney transplant and approached the family. Though the family initially refused, mounting financial pressure reportedly left them with little choice.

The woman has alleged that she was promised ₹50 lakh in exchange for the kidney, along with assurances that her debts would be cleared and her children’s education and future livelihood would be taken care of. She claims that the shop owner’s family arranged her passport and travel, and that she was taken by flight to Singapore, where the kidney was removed at a hospital. Upon returning to India, she was allegedly paid only ₹10 lakh, with the remaining ₹40 lakh withheld.

The complainant has stated that her passport and documents were later taken back by those involved, and that when she demanded the remaining amount, she was threatened and told the balance could not be paid. Fearing retaliation and concerned for the safety of her two daughters, the woman remained silent for several years before finally approaching the SIT.

Investigators say the complaint has opened up a wider line of inquiry, as illegal kidney trafficking in Pallipalayam and nearby Kumarapalayam areas had earlier been exposed, prompting the formation of the SIT. Officials are now examining whether the case is part of a larger organised racket exploiting vulnerable families through debt traps and false promises.

The woman has reportedly suffered recurring health complications following the surgery and has been unable to afford adequate medical treatment, pushing the family further into financial distress. Though the alleged organ removal took place nearly a decade ago, it has only now come to light through the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are also probing claims that victims from Tamil Nadu have been taken not only to Singapore but also to countries such as Malaysia and Cambodia for illegal organ removal, raising serious concerns about possible links to international organ trafficking networks. Questions have been raised about how such cross-border operations were facilitated and who all were involved behind the scenes.

With poverty and usurious lending practices allegedly being used to coerce victims, there are growing demands for a comprehensive investigation to identify the key perpetrators, expose the full extent of the trafficking network, and ensure that all those responsible are brought before the law.

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The post ₹50 Lakh Promised, ₹10 Lakh Paid: How A Tamil Nadu Woman Was Allegedly Trafficked To Singapore For Kidney Removal appeared first on The Commune.

An investigation triggered by a complaint from a farmer in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district has uncovered a pan-India illegal kidney transplant network involving agents, donors, doctors, and hospitals, with multiple unauthorised transplant surgeries allegedly conducted at a private hospital in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district, police officials said on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

The probe, being led by Chandrapur Police, has revealed international links extending to Cambodia and has brought under scrutiny the role of doctors based in Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

According to Chandrapur Superintendent of Police Sudarshan Mummaka, several illegal kidney transplant operations were allegedly carried out at STAR KIMS Hospital, run by Dr Rajarathinam Govindaswamy. Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Local Crime Branch (LCB) teams were dispatched to detain two doctors, one in Delhi and another in Trichy, after their names emerged during the investigation.

Complaint by Chandrapur Farmer Led to Racket Exposure

The investigation originated from a complaint filed by Roshan Kude, a farmer from Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, who alleged that he had sold his kidney in Cambodia after falling into a debt trap created by illegal moneylenders. Police said Kude had initially borrowed ₹1 lakh, but due to exorbitant interest rates, the debt escalated to ₹74 lakh. Unable to repay despite selling personal belongings, he decided to sell his kidney.

Through a social media page titled “Kidney Donor Community,” Kude came into contact with a person identified as Krishna, also known as Ramakrishna Sunchu, who allegedly acted as an agent in the kidney trafficking racket. Acting on Krishna’s instructions, Kude travelled to Kolkata and was later taken to Cambodia, where his kidney was surgically removed.

Doctors, Hospital, and Financial Trail

Police said one of the accused, Himanshu Bharadwaj, who acted as a kidney donor, admitted that his kidney was surgically removed by Dr Ravinder Pal Singh from New Delhi, along with Dr Rajarathinam Govindaswamy, Managing Director of STAR KIMS Hospital, Trichy. These claims were corroborated by the statement of another accused, Krishna, and supported by technical and mobile data evidence, police said.

Investigators found that each illegal kidney transplant allegedly involved payments ranging between ₹50 lakh and ₹80 lakh. Of this, Dr Ravinder Pal Singh reportedly received around ₹10 lakh per procedure, while Dr Govindaswamy allegedly charged approximately ₹20 lakh for hospital arrangements and treatment. Krishna, acting as a broker, collected nearly ₹20 lakh per transplant.

In contrast, the actual kidney donors were paid only ₹5-8 lakh, highlighting what police described as severe exploitation of economically vulnerable individuals.

Arrests, Bail, and Ongoing Efforts

Police have so far arrested six moneylenders in connection with the case and invoked offences under Sections 18 and 19 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. During transit remand proceedings, Dr Ravinder Pal Singh was granted interim bail by a Delhi court and directed to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Chandrapur on 2 January 2026. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest Dr Govindaswamy.

Earlier in the probe, the SIT arrested a fake doctor from Solapur, identified as Krishna, who was once a kidney donor himself and later became an agent for the racket. Police said he allegedly facilitated kidney removal for 10-12 people at hospitals in Cambodia and earned commissions from the traffickers.

Tamil Nadu Inquiry Slows Amid Festivities

Two days after Maharashtra Police visited Tamil Nadu on 30 December 2025 to investigate the Trichy angle, progress on the case has been slow, with Tamil Nadu Police citing festivals and holidays. Trichy Police Commissioner N Kamini said officers were preoccupied with the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival and noted that such investigations require coordination across departments, particularly the health department.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P Senthilkumar said the department had sought detailed reports from Maharashtra Police and directed district health officials to submit a prima facie inquiry report. The Directorate of Medical Services instructed the Joint Director of Health Services in Trichy to conduct the inquiry. However, officials said the probe would commence only after senior officers returned from leave.

Pattern Echoes Earlier Namakkal Kidney Scandal

The latest revelations come just months after Tamil Nadu witnessed the unravelling of another major kidney trafficking racket in Namakkal district. In that case, a DMK-linked party worker, M Anandan was named as a key broker and later went absconding.

The 2025 scandal placed Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital, multispeciality institution in Tamil Nadu, under intense scrutiny over allegations of illegal organ transplants involving trafficked kidneys from poor women. Investigators alleged that more than 90 women, mostly daily wage earners from Namakkal district, were lured with payments of ₹5-10 lakh and subjected to kidney removal using forged Aadhaar cards and fabricated medical records.

The case drew political attention due to the hospital’s links to DMK MLA Kathiravan, son of the hospital group’s founder, leading to allegations of institutional protection and regulatory evasion. Authorities from the health, revenue, and police departments continue to probe the network, while officials acknowledge that fear, stigma, and social pressure have prevented several victims from coming forward.

Investigators say the Chandrapur–Trichy–Cambodia trail suggests an entrenched, multi-state organ trafficking network exploiting poverty, weak oversight, and regulatory gaps in the transplant ecosystem.

Source: The Hindu

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The post After Namakkal Kidney Racket, Fresh Pan-India Trafficking Allegations Lead To Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu appeared first on The Commune.

In yet another disturbing case, a woman Village Administrative Officer (VAO) was assaulted at her residence in Namakkal by members of the sand mafia. The attackers barged into her home but were restrained by neighbors after she cried out for help. She was later admitted to the hospital with injuries. Police have since confirmed the arrest of those involved.

According to reports, Sivagami had earlier received information about illegal sand smuggling in her jurisdiction and rushed to the spot to prevent the activity. Angered by her intervention, the smugglers alerted a man identified as Munjunur Srinivasan, who allegedly threatened the officer, declaring that he would continue sand mining and warning that she could be killed if she tried to stop them. Following the confrontation, Sivagami lodged a complaint with her Tahsildar.

Later that day, Srinivasan allegedly telephoned Sivagami’s husband, issuing fresh threats. He reportedly attempted to malign her character and warned that he would harm her if she did not “behave.” Hours later, he stormed into Sivagami’s residence, physically assaulted her by pulling her hair, pushing her, and kicking her in the chest. The attack left her with injuries to her hand, and she fainted due to high blood pressure before being rushed to the hospital.

Hearing the commotion, relatives and neighbors intervened, restrained Srinivasan, and handed him over to the police. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Tamil Nadu, highlighting once again the growing menace of the sand mafia and the vulnerability of government officers who take a stand against illegal mining.

This assault has drawn outrage across the state, as it comes amid a series of violent attacks in recent years on upright VAOs who attempted to curb illegal sand mining operations several of whom have even been brutally murdered in the line of duty.

From her hospital bed, VAO Sivagami narrated her ordeal, “My name is Sivagami. I work as a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Palamedu village, Thiruchengodu. Yesterday morning, while I was at work, I received information about illegal sand smuggling in my village. I went to the field and stopped them. The smugglers called Srinivasan from Munjunur and told him that the VAO has stopped them. He then threatened me, saying they would continue to smuggle sand and asked what I could do about it. He said, “I will do what I want. You can’t do anything to me. If you stop us, we will kill you by running you over with a vehicle.” We complained about this to our Tahsildar.

The incident has triggered a storm of criticism. Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai condemned the DMK government in a strongly worded statement, saying, “A Village Administrative Officer (VAO) was brutally attacked in her residence in Namakkal district. Her only “crime” was that she stood up against and stopped illegal sand mining in her jurisdiction. This is the grim “reward” an honest officer gets today in TN. This is not an isolated incident; time and again, government officials and even common citizens who dare to speak against the sand mafia, drug mafia, or land grabbers are being silenced with violence. Under the DMK regime, nothing is legal, nothing is safe, and no honest officer is protected. Lawlessness has become governance, and goondaism has become the new normal.”

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The dust around the Namakkal kidney trafficking scandal is yet to settle and allegations of liver trafficking have begun to be heard in the same district of Tamil Nadu.

In another disturbing case linked to alleged illegal organ transplantation, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) has directed health authorities in Namakkal district to investigate an alleged incident involving the sale of a liver by a 37-year-old woman from Pallipalayam. The woman reportedly underwent the procedure at a private hospital in Chennai, allegedly to clear her mounting debts.

According to officials, the case came to light through media coverage. While no formal complaint has been received so far, the DMS has taken the reports seriously and initiated a preliminary inquiry.

Media reports suggest that the woman was taken to Chennai by middlemen who initially promised her ₹8 lakh in exchange for donating a kidney. However, after being deemed unfit for kidney donation, she was reportedly persuaded to donate a portion of her liver instead, for ₹4.5 lakh.

The woman further alleged that her gall bladder was also removed during the procedure without her knowledge or consent. She had agreed to sell her organ in a desperate attempt to repay a high-interest loan. Having separated from her husband, she was the sole caregiver for her children at the time of the incident.

Speaking to the media on 18 August 2025, Health Minister Ma Subramanian confirmed his awareness of the case. He stated that two agents had already been booked in connection with a separate kidney trafficking case. The minister also emphasized that any additional hospitals found to be involved in organ trading would face strict action.

This case follows the recent exposure of an organ trafficking network in Namakkal district, which specifically targeted handloom workers, coaxing them into selling their kidneys. In response, the health department established a committee led by S. Vineeth, Project Director of the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Programme, to investigate the matter.

Based on the findings of this committee, kidney transplant licenses of two hospitals, Cethar Hospital in Tiruchy and Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital in Perambalur, have been suspended due to their alleged involvement. Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the racket in the district.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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The post Dravidian Model: After Kidney Racket, Fresh Allegations Of Liver Sale Surface In Namakkal appeared first on The Commune.

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.

கிட்னிபாளையமான பள்ளிபாளையம்.. ஒரு கிட்னியுடன் வாழும் 52 பேர்.. இன்னும் 2500 பேருக்கு ஒற்றை கிட்னிதானாம் #Namakkal #Kidneytheft #Kidney #Govthospital #Healthofficer #Hospitals #Victims #Organtheft #DMKAnandhan #TamilNews #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/ATJrxp6RJw

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) August 2, 2025

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The post TN Becoming Kidney Trafficking Hub? 52 More Victims Speak Out, Network Spreads Beyond State appeared first on The Commune.

The Tamil Nadu Health Department has suspended the licenses of Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital in Perambalur, linked to DMK MLA Kathiravan and Cethar Hospital in Trichy from performing kidney transplant surgeries, following a major organ trafficking investigation centered in Namakkal district.

The suspension order was issued by the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) under Section 16(2) of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, citing urgent public interest. The action follows a preliminary report submitted by a multi-departmental investigation committee probing illegal kidney transplants allegedly facilitated through a trafficking network operating in and around Pallipalayam and Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district.

The suspension comes in response to the first phase of the inquiry initiated after reports surfaced about the sale of human kidneys in Pallipalayam. Based on these reports, the Directorate constituted an inquiry led by Dr. S. Vineeth, Project Director of the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, with participation from senior medical officers and police officials. The investigating team included Dr. R.M. Meenakshi Sundari (Joint Director, DMS), Dr. A. Rajmohan (Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, Namakkal), Dr. K. Marimuthu (Joint Director for Perambalur and Ariyalur), and Deputy Superintendent of Police Seetharaman. After field inspections and interviews in both hospitals and affected localities, the committee submitted a preliminary report, prompting the suspension of the hospitals’ transplant licenses under Section 16(2) of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994.

Background

The license suspension is linked to a widening kidney trafficking scandal that has drawn national attention and public outrage. The racket allegedly preyed upon over 90 poor women, mostly daily wage laborers, from the Pallipalayam and Kumarapalayam regions.

According to the investigation, the traffickers lured women with offers ranging from ₹5 to ₹10 lakh for a kidney, used forged Aadhaar cards and fake medical documents to process illegal transplants. In some cases, coerced women into donating kidneys under financial and social pressure.

The illegal surgeries were reportedly performed at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Trichy.

At the center of the racket is M. Anandan, a 52-year-old DMK party functionary from Anampalayam Perur, known locally as “Dravida Anandan.” He is accused of acting as a middleman, brokering kidney deals, transporting women to the hospitals for surgery, orchestrating the use of forged documents, fake seals, and government uniforms. Anandan is currently absconding. During a raid at his residence in Pallipalayam, police recovered counterfeit government IDs, forged medical records, stamped paper, hospital forms, as well as police and government official uniforms.

A formal complaint was lodged against Anandan by Dr. Veeramani, the medical officer at Pallipalayam Government Hospital.

The scandal has also spotlighted allegations of political interference and protection. DMK MLA Kathiravan, who represents Mannachanallur, is the son of the founder of the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group, which operates the Perambalur hospital at the center of the controversy. It is alleged that the hospital group has evaded penalties in past medical negligence cases, including during the COVID-19 crisis; political clout may have blocked the establishment of a long-announced government medical college hospital in Perambalur, which would have competed with the private chain. Additionally, the hospital held free medical camps in MLA Kathiravan’s constituency, which are now under suspicion as possible cover for organ harvesting.

Despite past allegations ranging from inadequate treatment, unsupervised medical interns, and avoidable deaths, the hospital has continued to operate without major restrictions, fueling accusations of systemic impunity.

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The post TN Kidney Trafficking Scandal: Kidney Transplant Licenses Cancelled For DMK MLA’s Hospital And One More Amid Probe appeared first on The Commune.

A widening kidney trafficking scandal has brought intense scrutiny upon Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital, a prominent private healthcare chain in Tamil Nadu, over its alleged role in conducting illegal kidney transplants involving trafficked organs from poor women. The hospital’s political links, particularly through DMK MLA Kathiravan, son of the hospital’s founder Srinivasan, have sparked allegations of systemic protection and deliberate obstruction of regulatory action.

DMK MLA’s Hospital at Centre of Organ Trafficking Network

According to investigations initiated following a regional news exposé, over 90 women, most of them daily wage laborers from Pallipalayam and Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district, were targeted by a kidney trafficking network that facilitated illegal transplants at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital in Perambalur and Siddhar Hospital in Trichy.

The racket allegedly used forged Aadhaar cards and medical documents to carry out surgeries on women lured with offers of ₹5 to ₹10 lakh. In some cases, victims were reportedly coerced into agreeing to the transplants under financial and social pressure.

At the heart of the operation is M. Anandan, a 52-year-old DMK party speaker from Anampalayam Perur, known locally as “Dravida Anandan.” He is accused of brokering the kidney deals and transporting women to the hospitals. Anandan is currently absconding, and police have recovered forged documents, fake government seals, and official uniforms from his locked residence in Pallipalayam.

Political Shield Alleged

The Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group, which operates hospitals and medical colleges across Tamil Nadu, has been mired in multiple controversies in the past, including allegations of wrongful treatment, trainee doctors attending patients unsupervised, and deaths due to inadequate care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, no significant penalties or legal action have materialized, a fact many attribute to the political influence of DMK MLA Kathiravan, who represents Mannachanallur.

Local sources claim the hospital’s political clout has prevented the establishment of a government medical college hospital in Perambalur, despite the project being announced over 12 years ago. The suspicion is that the private hospital chain actively blocked progress on the government facility to avoid competition, leveraging its MLA ties to do so.

In a show of apparent public service, the hospital reportedly offers free treatment to residents of Kathiravan’s constituency and holds annual free medical camps. However, recent allegations suggest that these medical camps may have served as cover for illegal organ harvesting, raising fresh concerns about the ethics and operations of the institution.

Fake Patient Setup, Regulatory Evasion

Insiders have revealed that when national-level inspection teams visited the hospital, staff were instructed to bring villagers — particularly pregnant women — by bus and stage them as patients to meet regulatory expectations. These women were allegedly paid ₹800 a day to pose as patients. Meanwhile, hospital records reportedly showed inflated patient data and procedures, raising questions about fraud and misreporting.

A prominent display board at the hospital boasts of having conducted over 200 kidney transplants, which, in the current context, has only amplified public anxiety.

Victim Testimony – Aadhar Tampering

In an interview with News Tamil 24×7, a victim detailed how his worsening financial condition led him into the hands of what appears to be an organ trade network operating through private hospitals.

According to the victim, the ordeal began when he was discussing his debt problems with acquaintances at a local tea shop. “Even a ₹5,000 loan would attract ₹250 in interest. I couldn’t keep up with it,” he said, adding that he was struggling to cover basic expenses. During the conversation, an unidentified individual approached him and suggested a way to “solve” his problems by visiting a hospital for a “procedure.”

He was subsequently taken to Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Hospital in Perambalur district. There, he said, he handed over his Aadhaar card, which bore his original address in Pallipalayam, Namakkal district. However, he later discovered that a different Aadhaar card, with altered address details, had been used for official documentation, raising concerns of identity tampering and falsification.

He stated that he was provided with a private room and ₹1,000 per day for expenses during his hospital stay. Following the surgery, he was allegedly paid ₹5 lakhs by intermediaries who arranged the operation. He described the presence of brokers, who instructed him on where to sit, what to wear, and how to respond during hospital formalities.

“I didn’t know my Aadhaar details were being changed. I just gave them my card. The doctor said everything would be fine,” Bagir said. He emphasized that the decision to undergo the procedure was not made lightly, but out of desperation due to spiraling debt and lack of support. “I couldn’t bear the financial pressure. This felt like the only way.”

The victim also alleged that no government authorities had contacted him after the incident. “They should be coming to help people like us, but we are left to deal with middlemen.”

The organ trafficking case, first exposed by News Tamil, has prompted a government-level probe involving the Health, Revenue, and Police Departments. A complaint has been lodged by Dr. Veeramani, medical officer at Pallipalayam Government Hospital, against Anandan. The investigation team led by Namakkal Joint Director of Health Services Dr. Rajmohan and instructed by District Collector Durga Moorthy has been actively pursuing leads but has yet to apprehend the main accused.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian condemned the incident, reiterating that only voluntary organ donation is legal in the state. He promised strict action against all those involved.

Despite the growing evidence, police officials acknowledge that many victims are hesitant to file formal complaints due to fear, stigma, and possible retaliation. This reluctance may impede legal action against those operating behind the scenes, including hospital administrators and middlemen.

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The post Namakkal Kidney Trafficking Scandal: DMK MLA-Linked Hospital, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group, Under Investigation For Alleged Illegal Organ Trade appeared first on The Commune.

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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The post Namakkal Kidney Trafficking Scandal: Key Accused, A DMK Functionary, On The Run, Over 90 Women Allegedly Targeted appeared first on The Commune.

Entrepreneurs operating Chief Minister’s Dispensaries/Mudhalvar Marundhagam in Namakkal district have raised serious concerns over financial losses and alleged official apathy. Several of them have claimed that despite struggling to keep the dispensaries running, local authorities refused to accept their petitions seeking relief.

Chief Minister’s Dispensaries/Mudhalvar Marundhagam—meant to provide affordable medicines to the public—were launched in Namakkal district on 24 February 2025. A total of 27 such dispensaries were opened and operated by local entrepreneurs and cooperative societies.

It is noteworthy that these dispensaries are modelled exactly after the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadi Programme also referred to as Makkal Marundhagam in TN.

However, less than two months since their inauguration, some entrepreneurs say the model is unsustainable without government support. On 15 April 2025, a group approached the Deputy Registrar of the Agricultural Cooperative Sales Society to hand over control of the pharmacies, citing severe financial strain.

“We’ve been selling medicines for just ₹15,000 in the past two months, but our monthly expenses are around ₹25,000,” said one of the affected entrepreneurs. “We have to cover rent, electricity, internet, and the pharmacist’s salary. It’s simply not viable.”

The entrepreneurs said they were turned away when they tried to submit a petition outlining their grievances and requesting that the dispensaries be taken over by the government.

“From the date of the inauguration till today, sales have been consistently low. I can’t pay rent, utility bills, or salaries. We’re drowning in losses,” said another operator.

They urged the government to intervene and provide financial assistance, warning that the dispensaries cannot continue to operate under the current conditions.

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The post Namakkal Entrepreneurs Suffer Losses Running Mudhalvar Marundhagams, Authorities Refuse To Accept Petitions appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, claiming that under its leadership, the common man in the state has no freedom to report unlawful activities in their locality. He accused DMK members of being involved in a wide range of illegal activities, from drug trafficking to the illegal sale of alcohol, contributing to a state of lawlessness and hooliganism.

Annamalai’s comments came in the wake of a disturbing incident in Namakkal, where a local citizen was allegedly attacked with a knife for reporting the illegal sale of liquor in his area. The attackers are reportedly associated with the DMK and are closely linked to the Pallipalayam DMK Chairman, Selvaraj.

In a post on social media platform X, Annamalai condemned the actions of the DMK government and its cadres, stating, “In Tamil Nadu, under the DMK Government, the common man has no right to complain about the lawlessness and hooliganism in the State. Those in DMK are involved in all sorts of unlawful activity, from international drug smuggling to selling liquor illegally. A responsible citizen in Namakkal district in TN was brutally attacked for complaining to the police department about the sale of illegal liquor. The attack, reportedly ordered by Pallipalayam DMK Chairman Selvaraj, is a stark reminder of the injustice that has become all too common in TN. Over the past 4 years, the DMK has transformed our once peaceful state into a lawless jungle. However, staying far from reality, TN CM Thiru @mkstalin will be writing an appreciation letter to himself about how the people of TN praise his good governance.“

In Tamil Nadu, under the DMK Government, the common man has no right to complain about the lawlessness and hooliganism in the State. Those in DMK are involved in all sorts of unlawful activity, from international drug smuggling to selling liquor illegally.

A responsible citizen… pic.twitter.com/gI0cP9OcNE

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 17, 2024

The victim of the attack, who sustained serious injuries, shared the details of the assault stating, “There is a public toilet on the way to Periyar Nagar. I parked my car to use the toilet. One Michael of Avarangadu and the other person’s name is Kuyil. Both of them was there. They hacked me and asked if I cannot keep quiet. They asked how long will you keep working against us. They abused me using cuss words and I retaliated and asked what the problem was. they asked why I am writing petitions to the district SP to shut down the illegal liquor shop. I said I will write petitions to anyone. What was their problem? while I was talking, they started beating me up. I hit them back and the four people started attacking me, I fell down. When I was about to stand when they took out a knife and stabbed my head, blood started gushing out of my head. I couldn’t do anything, and I sat on the floor. People around me cried for help, the preparator’s flew from there. They threatened to kill me if I continue to create issues for Chairman Selvaraj.” He added, “The attackers said I shouldn’t write petitions and said they would go to any extent for the sake of their boss. “

The victim explained further, detailing his efforts to report the illegal liquor shops, “On 26 October 2024, I wrote a petition to Palliplayam SI to take action against the illegal liquor shops, but no action was taken. On 30 November 2024, I did a road roko and for that to no action was taken. On 11 December 2024, I went to the SP office to file a petition, he was not available, so I gave the petition to the registrar and came.”

The victim was later helped by two individuals, Sakthi and Singh, who drove him to the Erode Government Hospital for treatment.

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The post “DMK Has Turned Tamil Nadu Into A ‘Lawless Jungle'” – BJP TN Chief Annamalai Slams DMK Govt After Activist’s Brutal Knife Attack appeared first on The Commune.