Kolkata, August 27: The investigation into an alleged blood smuggling and illegal blood-selling racket in West Bengal has widened to medical colleges in Kolkata, with several students summoned for questioning by the State Health Department.
At least four fourth-year medical students from two government medical institutions appeared before a committee at Swastha Bhawan on Wednesday as officials continued their inquiry into the alleged diversion and illegal sale of blood.
West Bengal Blood Bank Investigation Widens
The students summoned for questioning are from National Medical College and Hospital and Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Their questioning is part of the Health Department’s inquiry into the alleged diversion and illegal sale of blood, amid growing scrutiny of blood banks and the people associated with their operations.
According to the information available so far, the students appeared before a committee constituted by the West Bengal Health Department. Officials are examining their possible links to the suspected activities and seeking details about their interactions with individuals connected to the blood-bank system.
The questioning does not by itself establish the involvement of the students in the alleged racket.
Medical Students Questioned at Swastha Bhawan
The questioning of the fourth-year medical students has added another dimension to the ongoing investigation. Health department officials are reportedly examining whether some students may have had knowledge of the alleged activities or came into contact with people suspected of being part of the network.
Investigators are expected to rely on statements, institutional records and other available evidence before determining whether any further action is warranted.
National Medical College and NRS Medical College Students Summoned
At least four students from National Medical College and Hospital and Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital were called before the committee.
The focus of the inquiry is understood to include their interactions with individuals connected to blood-bank operations and any information they may have about the alleged movement or sale of blood outside authorised channels.
Being questioned as part of an inquiry does not mean that the students have been accused of wrongdoing.
Three Laboratory Technicians Arrested in Panskura
The investigation comes against the backdrop of arrests in the case. Three laboratory technicians were arrested in Panskura in connection with the alleged blood-selling racket.
Their arrests have raised questions about the manner in which blood units were allegedly obtained, handled and supplied outside authorised channels.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the arrested laboratory technicians acted independently or were connected to a wider network involving intermediaries, medical personnel or other individuals.
Alleged Illegal Blood-Selling Racket Under Investigation
One of the central areas of the investigation is how the alleged operation obtained and distributed blood.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the suspected racket involved the unauthorised movement of blood units from legitimate blood banks or whether blood was being procured through other channels.
The probe is also likely to focus on:
- Blood-bank records and documentation
- Laboratory personnel and their activities
- Storage facilities and access records
- Movement of blood units from collection to distribution
- Intended recipients of the blood
- Payments allegedly made for blood units
- Possible intermediaries involved in the transactions
Establishing the source, movement and final destination of the blood could help investigators determine the scale of the alleged operation.
Blood Bank Records and Supply Chain Under Scrutiny
The State Health Department’s inquiry is expected to examine records maintained by blood banks and other institutions involved in the collection, testing, storage and distribution of blood.
Officials may also compare institutional records with statements obtained during questioning to determine whether any blood units were diverted from authorised channels.
The investigation will need to establish whether irregularities were isolated incidents or part of a coordinated system.
Health Department Probes Possible Wider Network
The involvement of medical students in the questioning has prompted investigators to look beyond the three arrested laboratory technicians.
Officials are expected to determine whether the alleged illegal sale of blood was limited to a few individuals or involved a broader network.
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The investigation may examine possible links between laboratory personnel, medical institutions, intermediaries and other individuals who could have facilitated the alleged transactions.
Statements from those questioned, institutional records and other available evidence could help investigators establish the alleged chain of activity.
Digital and Financial Evidence Could Aid Investigation
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that although the case primarily concerns the healthcare system, investigations involving organised illegal transactions can benefit from systematic analysis of digital and financial evidence.
According to him, investigators should examine communication records, digital transactions, identity documents and financial trails wherever legally available to determine whether the accused were operating as part of a coordinated network.
He also stressed the importance of preserving institutional records and maintaining a clear chain of evidence during the investigation.
Concerns Over Blood Bank Security and Illegal Transactions
The case has highlighted concerns surrounding the vulnerability of blood-bank systems to unauthorised transactions.
Blood is a critical medical resource, and its collection, storage, testing and distribution are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Any diversion of blood outside authorised medical channels can create serious risks for patients and undermine public confidence in blood donation and transfusion services.
The investigation could therefore bring greater scrutiny to blood-bank record-keeping, access controls, storage procedures and the movement of blood units between collection and distribution points.
Further Action Awaited as Probe Continues
The questioning at Swastha Bhawan is part of efforts by the State Health Department to establish the complete chain involved in the alleged racket.
Officials are likely to examine the source of the blood, the intended recipients, payments allegedly made for units and any intermediaries who may have facilitated the transactions.
For now, the questioning of medical students remains part of the fact-finding process, while the arrests of the three laboratory technicians provide investigators with a starting point to trace the alleged blood-selling network.
Further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
