Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Bangladeshi National Arrested in Kolkata Kidney Trafficking Probe
Police in Kolkata arrested a Bangladeshi man named Russel Ahmed, also reported as Russell Ahmed.
They accuse him of helping run a group that illegally arranged kidney operations across India and Bangladesh.
Police say the group targeted people who were poor or financially vulnerable.
Victims were allegedly promised jobs or financial help and taken to other states.
One reported victim, Mangal Mondal, was taken to Ludhiana and later found to be missing a kidney.
Police arrested Prabhas Mondal after Mangal’s family complained.
Investigators say Mondal’s questioning led them to Ahmed.
Police also say Ahmed had been arrested by Delhi Police in 2024 in a similar case.
Ahmed is being questioned about other people involved in the network.
West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force arrested Bangladeshi national Russel Ahmed in Kolkata’s Baguihati area.
Police allege Ahmed played a key role in a cross-border kidney-trafficking network involving India and Bangladesh.
Ahmed’s name reportedly emerged during questioning of Prabhas Mondal, arrested on August 18 after a victim’s family filed a complaint.
Investigators say vulnerable people were promised jobs or financial help, taken to other states, and subjected to kidney operations for small payments.
Police allegedly recovered a kidney rate chart and private-hospital documents listing kidney requirements from different states.
- Who
- West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force arrested Bangladeshi national Russel Ahmed; Prabhas Mondal and Mangal Mondal are also linked to the investigation.
- What
- Ahmed was arrested over alleged involvement in a cross-border kidney-trafficking racket.
- When
- Ahmed was arrested late Saturday night and produced in court on Sunday; Prabhas Mondal was arrested on August 18, and Ahmed had previously been arrested in 2024.
- Where
- Ahmed was arrested in Baguihati, Kolkata, and handed over to Bidhannagar South Police in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. A reported victim was taken to Ludhiana.
- Why
- Police are investigating alleged illegal kidney operations, identifying other network members, and determining the racket’s extent.
Police allegations
Accused’s position
Ahmed’s alleged role
Police allegations
Police allege Ahmed played a key role in operating a cross-border kidney-trafficking network and had previously faced a similar case in Delhi.
Accused’s position
The reports do not include a statement, denial, or alternative account from Ahmed or his legal representatives.
How victims were recruited
Police allegations
Police say financially vulnerable people were promised jobs or financial assistance, taken to other states, and subjected to kidney operations in exchange for nominal payments.
Accused’s position
The reports provide no account from the accused or alleged organizers disputing the police description.
Evidence and network reach
Police allegations
Investigators cite a purported kidney rate chart and private-hospital documents, and say they are questioning Ahmed to identify other members and establish the racket’s extent.
Accused’s position
The reports do not say whether the alleged documents have been independently verified or whether further members have been identified.
- Arrested person
- Russel Ahmed, also reported as Russell Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national
- Arresting agency
- West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force
- Arrest location
- Baguihati, Kolkata
- Alleged network
- A kidney-trafficking racket operating across the India-Bangladesh border
- Related arrest
- Prabhas Mondal was arrested on August 18
- Reported victim
- Mangal Mondal was allegedly taken to Ludhiana after being promised a well-paid job and was later found to be missing a kidney
- Evidence cited by police
- An alleged kidney rate chart and documents from private hospitals listing kidney requirements
