Telangana, Rachakonda: Acting on credible information, the Saroornagar Police and Special Operations Team (SOT), L.B. Nagar Zone, in coordination with the District Medical and Health Office (DMHO), Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, uncovered an illegal kidney transplantation racket on 21.01.2025. The racket was being operated by the management of Alakananda Hospital, located in Doctors Colony, Saroornagar.
During the inspection, four individuals were found at the hospital:
Ms. Nasreen Banu Eliyash (22), donor, resident of Tamil Nadu; Ms. Firdosh S (40), donor, resident of Tamil Nadu; Mr. B.S. Raja Shekar (68), recipient; and Ms. Bhat Prabha alias Krupalatha (40), recipient, resident of Karnataka.
The recipients had already undergone kidney transplants and were undergoing treatment. It was discovered that the hospital was not authorized to conduct such procedures.
Investigation Findings:
Upon questioning Dr. Guntupally Sumanth, the Managing Director of Alakananda Hospital, it was revealed that Dr. Avinash and his team had been performing illegal kidney transplants at the hospital for the past seven months. The patients were shifted to Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad, for better care, and the hospital was sealed by health department officials.
Based on a complaint by Dr. M. Geetha, Deputy DMHO, a case was registered at Saroornagar Police Station, Rachakonda.
The Accused Persons are as follows:
Doctors:
Dr. Siddamshetty Avinash (General Surgeon) – Arrested on 25.01.2025; Dr. Guntupally Sumanth (Managing Director) – Arrested on 23.01.2025; Dr. Raj Shekhar (Surgeon, Tamil Nadu) – Absconding; and Dr. Sohib (Surgeon, Jammu & Kashmir) – Absconding.
Organizers:
Pavan alias Leon alias Kishore (Vizag) – Absconding; Purna alias Abhishik (Vizag) – Absconding; and Laxman (Vizag) – Absconding.
Mediators:
Ponnuswamy Pradeep (Karnataka) – Arrested on 25.01.2025; Suraj Mishra (Karnataka) – Absconding; and Shankar (Tamil Nadu) – Absconding.
Medical Assistants:
Narsagani Gopi (Receptionist) – Arrested on 23.01.2025; Ramavath Ravi (Nalgonda) – Arrested on 25.01.2025; Sapavath Ravinder (Nalgonda) – Arrested on 25.01.2025; Sapavath Harish (Nalgonda) – Arrested on 25.01.2025; and Podila Sai (Nalgonda) – Arrested on 25.01.2025.
Seized Items:
TATA Punch car (AP-40-CV-6300), Rs.5,00,000 in cash, 10 mobile phones, and Surgical kits used in the procedures.
Modus Operandi:
Dr. Avinash, who completed his MBBS in China and pursued a surgery diploma in Pune, initially operated at Janani Hospital, Hyderabad. Facing financial difficulties, he partnered with a Vizag-based organizer, Laxman, to conduct illegal kidney transplants. Laxman assured him ₹2.5 lakh per surgery, while managing donor, recipient, and doctor arrangements.
Between April 2023 and June 2024, transplants were conducted at Janani Hospital for ₹55-60 lakh per recipient. Payments were distributed among donors, surgeons, and organizers. After Janani Hospital’s closure in June 2024, Dr. Avinash partnered with Dr. Sumanth of Alakananda Hospital, where they conducted 20 illegal transplants in December 2024.
Arrests:
On 23.01.2025, Dr. Sumanth and Narsagani Gopi were arrested and remanded. On 25.01.2025, Dr. Avinash, Ponnuswamy Pradeep, Ramavath Ravi, Sapavath Ravinder, Sapavath Harish, Podila Sai, and Suraj Mishra were arrested. Seven accused were presented before the Hon’ble Court.
Supervision and Commendations:
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Shri G. Sudheer Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda, and the guidance of senior officers including Shri Ch. Praveen Kumar, IPS, DCP, LB Nagar Zone. The efforts of police personnel, including Shri V. Saidi Reddy and the SOT LB Nagar Zone team, were appreciated by the Commissioner, with recommendations for suitable rewards.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
