Major Crackdown on Human Organ Trafficking in Margherita

In a significant police operation in Margherita, Assam, four individuals were arrested for their involvement in a suspected human organ trafficking ring. The operation was initiated after a family reported that a relative was being coerced into selling his kidney. Authorities suspect a larger network is at play, targeting economically vulnerable individuals. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any medical professionals are linked to this illicit activity. This crackdown highlights the urgent need to address human trafficking issues in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 11:30 IST

Significant Operation Against Trafficking

The four accused nabbed red handed in human organ trafficking case in Margherita (Photo: AT)

Margherita, May 8: A significant operation by the police forces from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia has led to the dismantling of a suspected human organ trafficking ring, resulting in the arrest of four alleged brokers in Margherita.

The individuals taken into custody have been named as Zakir Hussain (53), Shankar Chentanu (28), Samir Paul (37), and Gopal Roy (31).

According to police reports, Samir Paul and Gopal Roy are from Dibrugarh, while Zakir Hussain is from Makum Pathar in Margherita, and Shankar Chentanu resides in the Vineer Mill area of Margherita.

Investigators revealed that the suspects were allegedly trying to facilitate the illegal sale of a kidney from a 35-year-old man, Rajiv Dey, from Margherita, after enticing him with promises of financial gain and job opportunities.

The police operation was initiated following a complaint from the victim's family on Thursday night.

“He is my niece’s husband and left home around 5 or 5:30 AM on Thursday. My niece mentioned he had gone to Dibrugarh with Shankar for some work. Later, we learned they were forcibly taking him to sell his kidney along with some medical personnel,” a family member reported.

The family member also noted that Rajiv Dey's phone was off for several hours, which raised concerns among relatives.

“We couldn’t reach him as his phone was off. I managed to get Shankar’s contact number and called him. When I inquired about Rajiv, he claimed he had no information about his location,” the family member added.

Subsequently, the family approached the Margherita Police Station and filed a formal complaint, providing Shankar’s contact information to the authorities.

“After we filed the complaint, the police arrested the four suspects, and there are reportedly five other victims associated with this case,” the family member stated.

The operation was spearheaded by Tinsukia district DSP (Crime) Fayez Ahmed, with significant support from the Dibrugarh police.

All four suspects were reportedly apprehended during the operation.

Authorities suspect that a larger inter-district human organ trafficking network is operating in Assam, targeting economically disadvantaged individuals through deceitful promises and financial incentives.

Investigators are also looking into potential connections between hospitals, medical staff, or doctors and the alleged trafficking ring.

A case (No. 44/2026) has been filed at the Margherita Police Station under Sections 61(2), 112, 143(1), and 318(4) of the BNS.