The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the illegal kidney sale of a farmer in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, has discovered a direct operational link to China. The investigation, which began following a complaint by Roshan Kude, a farmer from Nagbhid tehsil in Chandrapur district, revealed that Kude was coerced into selling his kidney in Cambodia to repay a loan borrowed from local moneylenders.

The SIT arrested a fake doctor from Solapur, identified as Krishna, whose real name is Mallesh, in connection with the racket. Mallesh, an engineer by training, had himself sold a kidney in 2018 due to financial problems and later became an agent for the kidney racket. According to the police, Mallesh allegedly took around 10-12 people to a hospital in Cambodia for kidney removal, earning a commission of ₹1 lakh per victim.

Chandrapur Superintendent of Police Sudarshan Mummaka stated that the SIT traced Mallesh using SIM card data to Solapur, where he was arrested. The investigation revealed that Kude had initially borrowed ₹1 lakh from moneylenders, which ballooned to ₹74 lakh due to exorbitant interest rates. Unable to repay the amount despite selling his belongings, Kude decided to sell his kidney. He contacted "Dr" Krishna through a 'Kidney Donor Community' page, who then facilitated his travel to Kolkata and onward to Cambodia.

The Maharashtra government has taken serious cognizance of the case and constituted the SIT to probe the matter thoroughly. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the Chief Minister has initiated strict action against those involved in illegal money lending, and that no guilty person will be spared.

The case has triggered statewide concern regarding exploitative lending practices and possible international organ trafficking links. Another case of alleged financial exploitation has emerged from Brahmapuri, where a private firm employee was allegedly forced to repay ₹31.42 lakh against a loan of ₹8.5 lakh. Police have registered a case against moneylender Laxman Urkude, who is also an accused in the Kude case.

The police have arrested five moneylenders so far, while one is absconding. Mallesh was produced in court and remanded to four-day police custody for further investigation. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of Mallesh's involvement and the number of people he assisted in selling their kidneys.