Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Abam Devi, one of the key accused in the 2019 kidney transplant racket uncovered at PGIMER Chandigarh, has been declared absconding after repeatedly failing to appear before the court. The court has now cancelled her bail and issued non-bailable warrants against her, prompting police to intensify efforts to trace and arrest her.
According to officials, Abam Devi had spent several years in Burail Jail before securing bail last year. As part of her bail conditions, she was required to attend court hearings regularly. However, despite multiple summonses, she failed to appear. During the latest hearing last week, her continued absence led the court to take strict action by revoking her bail and issuing non-bailable warrants.
Police teams have since begun searching her known and suspected hideouts in an effort to bring her back into custody and produce her before the court.
Investigators had earlier identified Abam Devi as a key member of the kidney transplant racket. During the probe, it was revealed that she had allegedly sold one of her own kidneys for ₹2.5 lakh before becoming associated with the network and later working for the racket.
The investigation further alleged that she lured a woman from Manipur to Chandigarh on the pretext of providing employment. Once in the city, the woman was allegedly targeted for an illegal kidney transplant scheme. Police claimed fake documents were prepared to facilitate the procedure, and Abam Devi allegedly received ₹2.5 lakh for her role in the conspiracy.
The racket is accused of targeting economically vulnerable individuals, persuading them to donate kidneys in exchange for money, and then charging large sums from recipients seeking transplants. Investigators said gang members would identify potential donors from remote regions and bring them to Chandigarh with promises of jobs or financial assistance.
The probe also uncovered allegations that forged Aadhaar cards and other fake documents were prepared to facilitate illegal transplant procedures. In one case, a person identified as Bimal from Manipur was allegedly recruited for a kidney transplant arrangement involving advance payments and additional compensation after surgery.
Following the exposure of the racket, police initiated action against several individuals linked to the network. While some accused were arrested, others reportedly remain on the run. The case continues to be under judicial scrutiny as authorities pursue the remaining suspects.
