Kolkata Medical Students Held in Blood Smuggling Scam

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, several fourth-year medical students from Kolkata's National Medical College and Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College faced questioning at the Swastha Bhawan regarding a blood smuggling scam in West Bengal. The students allegedly posed as doctors to assist in illegal blood donation camps, which were part of a larger racket.

Sources indicate that senior students had arrangements with private blood banks, receiving monetary commissions for their involvement. This alleged scam is suspected to be worth crores and may involve multiple states, with authorities exploring its multi-state ramifications. The National Blood Policy of 2002 prohibits blood sales.

In connection with the racket, three laboratory technicians were arrested from Purba Medinipur district by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Previously, a tout involved in procuring donor cards and selling blood to patients' families for substantial sums was also apprehended by the police.

This investigation follows a broader crackdown where at least six blood banks are under scrutiny, and eleven have been ordered to cease organizing donation camps. Health officials are also investigating instances where donors were offered illegal incentives at district blood camps.