A combined police operation was carried out at computer centres, studios and a rented house in Pallikkara, Kunnathunad, as part of an investigation into an alleged organ donation fraud network operating across different parts of Kerala.

Police suspect forged identity documents and fake recommendation letters were created to falsely show relationships between organ donors and recipients in illegal organ transfer cases.

The cyber cell-led inspection began at 6 am on Thursday and continued late into the night.

The searches were launched after police took Kasaragod native Mujeeb, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the fraud, into custody and questioned him. Investigators focused on locations where the forged documents were allegedly prepared.

Simultaneous inspections were conducted at a computer centre, a studio in Pallikkara and Mujeeb’s rented house at Pothanamparambu in Peringala. Reports suggested forged documents were recovered during the searches.

Fake recommendation letters and IDs under scanner

Police said fake recommendation letters were allegedly created in the names of former MPs, former MLAs and a district police chief.

Investigators found that Mujeeb had allegedly visited computer centres in Pallikkara to prepare forged records. He had reportedly been living on rent at Pothanamparambu for around three years.

Police also said he led a luxurious lifestyle and travelled to the computer centres in expensive cars.

Officers from Kunnathunad and Thadiyittaparambu police stations conducted inspections at the computer centres and studios, while Ambalamedu police searched the rented house where the accused had allegedly been staying.

Fake marriage certificates also allegedly created

Under normal procedures, organs such as kidneys and liver can usually be donated only to close relatives. Police said forged documents were allegedly created in some cases to falsely show a relationship between donors and recipients.

According to investigators, the network operated with financial motives and lured people by offering money.

Police said fake records were prepared to portray donors as close relatives of recipients. Forged Aadhaar cards, identity cards and recommendation letters on public representatives’ letterheads were allegedly produced at the Pallikkara computer centres and studios.

Investigators also found that fake marriage certificates of donors or recipients were allegedly created.