In a major development in the ongoing investigation into an interstate human organ trafficking racket, the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) today arrested another key accused, Kondagorri Murali Krishna, in connection with the illegal kidney transplant network operating out of Hyderabad.
Murali Krishna, a resident of Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, is believed to have played a significant role in luring poor and vulnerable individuals from Tamil Nadu under the guise of employment opportunities. Once brought to Hyderabad, the victims were coerced or manipulated into donating kidneys, which were then transplanted illegally at a private hospital in Saroornagar.
CID officials revealed that the accused earned up to ₹10 lakh per transplant, while the donors received only ₹4 to ₹5 lakh, often without proper medical counseling or legal knowledge. The donors were left unaware of the full impact of the surgeries or their rights, making the racket not just illegal but deeply exploitative.
The case originally came to light when the Deputy DMHO of Rangareddy district reported suspicious medical practices at Alakananda Multi Speciality Hospital in January 2025. The case was handed over to the CID on April 24 for a broader and more specialized investigation.
With this latest arrest, the total number of individuals apprehended in the case has risen to 16. Among those already in custody are Shankaran and N. Ramya, who were arrested in Chennai in May and brought to Hyderabad for questioning. However, at least seven suspects, including individuals identified as Pavan and Poornachander, remain at large.
The investigation is being led by CID Director General Shikha Goel, with operational oversight by SP S. Srinivas. Officials have confirmed that further arrests are expected in the coming weeks, and the network is being tracked across multiple states.
This case has once again raised serious questions about medical ethics, hospital accountability, and the growing threat of organized human trafficking for organs in urban healthcare systems. Authorities have assured the public that strict legal action will be taken under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act and other criminal laws.
