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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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
