Organ trade: the donor's declaration to be recorded before the magistrate

Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing illegal organ trade and human trafficking case linked to Hyderabad-based racket prepares to obtain statement of missing Malaysian donor Shameer since the case was registered before being found. from out of state, recorded before a magistrate.

A request to this effect was filed by the police on Sunday. Even if the SIT is actively considering the possibility of designating him as a victim, much will depend on his statement. He is apparently unaware of the racketeer's deception, who paid him only ₹6 lakh for his kidney. An ultrasound confirmed that he did not have a kidney.

Bellamkonda Ram Prasad alias Prathapan, a resident of Vijayawada in Andra Pradesh, the alleged ringleader of the racket, allegedly arranged Shameer's trip to Iran for illegal organ trade. The SIT continues to grill Prathapan who remains in its custody.

Shameer, originally from Palakkad, has been living in Pollachi in Tamil Nadu for a long time. Although police teams were rushed to Palakkad and Tamil Nadu, he could not be traced initially. As the alleged organ trade made headlines, he was reportedly afraid of the outcome of the investigation and chose to remain untraceable.

So far, the SIT has arrested three accused in the case, with another, identified as Madhu, still at large. The case was registered following the arrest of Sabith Nasar from Thrissur upon his arrival from Iran on May 21. This was followed by the arrest of Sajith Shyam from Edathala three days later. Efforts are also on to bring back Madhu from Iran.