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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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
