Kidney gang bust

A nefarious gang responsible for over 300 unlawful kidney extractions has been arrested by the Punjab government, shedding light on a disturbing underbelly of crime that preys on vulnerable individuals. The magnitude of this illicit enterprise is staggering, with the leader disclosing that the gang had till now targeted some 328 individuals, extracted their kidneys and transplanting them to wealthy clients.

The audacity of conducting such operations in homes, rather than in a regulated hospital setting, speaks of the brazen nature of this criminal network. The fact that local patients were charged as high as Rs3 million and foreigners an exorbitant Rs10 million for the procedure adds a chilling financial dimension to this gruesome exploitation. Saving money while risking one’s life is a morally relativistic statement that depends on whose perspective you look at it from. But what is particularly alarming is the history of the main accused who, despite being arrested at least five times in the past, managed to secure bail and resume his illicit activities. CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi’s assurance that the government is committed to ensuring proper prosecution is a welcome pledge, but the recurrent nature of the surgeon’s illegal activities raises questions about the efficacy of the legal system in preventing such recurrences. The suspension of policemen implicated in aiding the gang leader’s previous escape highlights the need for accountability within law enforcement. It also points towards the glaring need for structured training in combating sophisticated criminal networks.

In the aftermath of this, an immediate need has arisen for a comprehensive investigation to be conducted by FIA to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to ensure the well-being of the victims and prevent such heinous activities from resurfacing. Stern punishment will indeed act as deterrence. Moreover, the public must be made aware of the prevalence of such illicit activities through awareness campaigns about safety and health.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2023.

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