Crime
Karnataka Woman Harassed to Sell Daughters’ Kidneys to Repay Loan
In a deeply disturbing incident from Karnataka’s Magadi town in Ramanagara district, a woman named Geetha has alleged that she was harassed by a microfinance agent to sell her daughters’ kidneys to settle outstanding loans. Geetha, who had earlier sold one of her own kidneys to partially clear the debt, now claims that the agents are pressuring her to drag her daughters into the illegal organ trade.
Tragic Origins of the Debt
Geetha’s ordeal began in 2013, following the death of her husband, who had originally taken the loan. Left to raise her two daughters alone, Geetha found herself in severe financial distress. A man named Manjunath, also known as Manjanna, an acquaintance from Magadi, approached her with a grim solution.
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“After my husband’s death, I struggled to make ends meet while educating and planning the future of my daughters. Manjunath suggested I sell my kidney to repay the loans. He assured me it was safe and that I could survive with one kidney,” Geetha recounted.
Three years ago, under mounting financial pressure, Geetha agreed. She was taken to a hospital in Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, where her kidney was removed in exchange for Rs 2.5 lakh. “I was accompanied by a couple and Manjunath. The recipient’s wife met us at the entrance, and I was taken inside for the procedure,” she recalled.
Renewed Harassment
Despite her sacrifice, the harassment didn’t end. Recently, Manjunath allegedly began demanding that Geetha repay the loan and, when she refused, pressured her to convince her daughters to sell their kidneys. “He shouted at me and insisted my daughters should sell their kidneys. I refused outright,” Geetha said.
A Widespread Issue
Geetha further alleged that this was not an isolated incident. “He had similarly threatened another woman in Magadi, forcing her to sell her kidney. He continues to harass her too,” she added.
Authorities are expected to investigate these serious allegations and take action against those involved in this exploitative and illegal practice.
