Makrana/Jaipur: In connection with a blood smuggling investigation in the Naraina police station jurisdiction of Jobner, authorities have apprehended Mahavir Prasad Joshi, the president of the Makrana Blood Center Trust.
On January 26, law enforcement officials arrested three employees associated with the Makrana Blood Center, seizing a total of 255 units of blood from them. Following this, a team led by the officer in charge of Naraina police station conducted a review of the blood center’s records in Makrana, during which SHO Dharam Singh collected statements from trust members.
The trust operates under the name of Maa Gayatri Sansthan, and the police have gathered testimonies from all its members.
Assistant Drug Controller Prem Singh Meena indicated that the absence of qualified technicians at the center posed a risk of blood spoilage. Consequently, under the guidance of Drug Control Officer Hansraj Manda, 121 blood bags were relocated to the Kuchaman Government Hospital blood center.
On January 25, a blood donation camp was held in Makrana to commemorate the first death anniversary of the late Prem Prakash Muravatia, where it was reported that 2,765 units of blood were donated. The event saw participation from eight government and two private blood centers. However, on the following day, Jabir Gasavat, the operator of the Makrana Blood Center, was apprehended with 255 units of blood. In response, Pappu Muravatia, the brother of the deceased, submitted a memorandum to the police, urging for a thorough investigation.
Jobner Police have arrested three suspects, including Makrana Blood Bank technician Mohammad Jabir and assistant technician Mohammad Amin. They allegedly purchased blood collected during the donation camp in Makrana with the intent to supply it to Jaipur. Reports indicate that 255 blood bags were transported in seven cartons from Makrana, and the suspects were in communication with an individual in Jaipur regarding the delivery, as revealed by the mobile recordings of accused Mohammad Jabir.
Devendra Kumar, who was responsible for delivering a blood consignment in Jaipur, was monitoring police activities to ensure he could collect the blood from a secure location. It was discovered that he had gathered the blood from two or three different sources. This consignment was intended for supply to the Sawai Madhopur Blood Bank.
The individual lacked valid documentation, and cold storage was not utilized, raising concerns about the potential spoilage of the blood. The use of compromised blood for human transfusions could lead to severe health risks. Notably, on the night of January 26 at midnight, police seized 255 cartons of blue wax while inspecting a vehicle on the Jobner Mega Highway Bypass, which was transporting the blood from Makrana to another destination.
Following the police action, there was significant activity at the police station, and those involved in the blood supply fled upon learning of the police presence. Authorities conducted raids on both blood banks in Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur. Interrogations are expected to reveal details about the timing and individuals involved in the blood trafficking operation. The health department has stored the seized blood at Jaipuria Hospital ‘s blood bank in Jaipur for testing. The results will determine whether the blood is safe for use or has been compromised. This raises questions about the extent of blood smuggling networks operating in Rajasthan.
