Chandrapur farmer who sold kidney under duress seeks euthanasia, cites govt inaction

Chandrapur: Roshan Kule, a farmer from Minthur village in Chandrapur, whose ordeal exposed a pan-India kidney trafficking network with alleged international links, has sought permission for euthanasia, accusing the state govt of inaction against the perpetrators despite repeated assurances.Kule, who claims he was coerced into selling his kidney by illegal moneylenders to repay mounting debts, has written to CM Devendra Fadnavis and the district administration demanding restoration of his agricultural land, financial assistance, and immediate freezing of assets belonging to the accused lenders.Kule's case first surfaced in Dec last year, when details emerged of his alleged kidney sale in Cambodia under duress — an incident that subsequently led to the unravelling of a wider organ trafficking racket operating across states with overseas connections.In his latest plea, Kule said the lack of tangible action has pushed him to the brink. "I have been seeking justice for months, but there has been no concrete response. If my situation does not improve, I request permission for euthanasia," he stated citing his deteriorating financial and physical condition.According to his complaint, moneylenders allegedly forced him into transferring his land. Around 0.45ha registered in his father's name was transferred to the accused, while another 0.99ha was reportedly registered in the name of a broker's wife without the family's consent.Now living with a single kidney, Kule says he is unable to work and sustain his family. He also cited his father's mental illness and physical disability, which has compounded the family's vulnerability. He has questioned the delay in enforcement, noting that assurances given by the minister of state for home affairs, in reply to call attention motion during the recent state Budget session, to act against illegal money lending and freeze offenders' assets. "Even after more than a month, no decisive steps have been taken," he alleged.In his representation, Kule has made specific demands to the authorities. He has sought the immediate restoration of his entire agricultural land measuring 0.45 and 0.99 hectares, which he alleges was forcibly transferred. He has urged the government to freeze all movable and immovable assets of the accused moneylenders without delay, including action under Section 102 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for attachment and seizure of properties.He called for stringent action under Maharashtra Money Lending (Regulation) Act, 2014, and sought urgent directions to the police and revenue authorities to expedite proceedings. Kule has demanded a time-bound investigation into the delay in action so far and accountability against officials found responsible. He has also appealed for immediate financial assistance to support the survival of his family.