NIA arrests prime accused in trafficking people for organ transplantation in Kerala
Kochi (PTI): The National Investigation Agency has arrested the prime accused in a case involving trafficking people to Iran for illegal organ donation.
Ernakulam native Madhu Jayakumar was arrested after he arrived from Iran on 8 November, sources said.
According to sources, following the national agency’s petition, Madhu was produced before the Court in Kochi on November 12.
The court sent Madhu to NIA’s custody till November 19.
He is currently being questioned at the NIA office in Kochi.
The case began on May 18, 2024, when officials of the Bureau of Immigration at Kochi airport intercepted a youth on suspicion of involvement in an organ-trafficking network.
The investigation was initially handled by the Ernakulam Rural Police before being taken over by the NIA.
The probe revealed that the accused targeted financially distressed individuals and lured them to Iran under the pretext of legal organ donation.
They also identified organ recipients and facilitated their treatment in Iranian hospitals, falsely claiming the process was lawful there.
Last year, the NIA filed a chargesheet against Madhu, Sabith, Sajith Shyam and Bellamkonda Ram Prasad.
In February 2025, an Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against Madhu, who had been residing in Iran.
For NIA, Madhu’s arrest is crucial as he was controlling the organ trafficking operations in Iran, coordinating with hospitals there, sources added.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
