Bengal teacher arrested in false organ trafficking case for honouring his mother’s wish to donate her eyes

A teacher from Nadia district in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar district was allegedly arrested in the fake organ trafficking case after donating her eyes following the death of her mother.

The teacher said that they had evidence that they donated the deceased’s eyes with prior permission. The teacher was released on bail on Thursday, February 12, 2026 and resumed duty as a Cabin Level Officer (BLO) on ongoing Special Intensive Overhaul work in West Bengal on Friday, February 13, 2026.

On February 8, Amir Chand Sheikh’s mother Rabiya Bibi passed away and upon her dying wish, her son Sheikh Sheikh called the medical team to donate his eyes.

When the medical team arrived to medically remove the late Ms. Bibi’s corneas, locals protested, claiming it was an organ trafficking scandal. A neighbor filed a written complaint with the local police.

Four other family members, including three women, were arrested along with Mr. Sheikh, and all of them remained in jail for three days.

The arrests sparked great criticism. The family of five, who were released on bail in the local court on Thursday evening (February 12, 2026), was welcomed by many local people and neighbors.

Mr Sheikh told reporters after his release from prison: “I never asked my mother to donate her eyes. When she donated her eyes and realized that blind people could also see, she was inspired and asked us to donate after her death.” He added that if people who donate organs with consent are harassed, this will create a feeling of fear, which will prevent voluntary organ donation and deprive patients of a second chance at life.

During his arrest on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mr. Sheikh claimed that people did not like his social work and falsely accused him of organ trafficking and tarnishing his family’s name.

Following the arrests, the local Inspector-in-Charge of Krishnanagar Kotwali Police Station said on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that on the night of February 8, they received information that Mr. Sheikh and his family had “sold” the eyes of their deceased mother.

IC Amalendu Biswas said, “We received a formal complaint and made the arrests. They failed to produce proper documentation. Organ trafficking is a serious crime and we are currently investigating all possibilities and collecting evidence. They have been released on bail. We will continue our investigations into the matter.” Hindu On Friday, February 13, 2026.

However, activists from Ganadarpan (a leading NGO working in the field of organ donation and advocacy), which conducted the donation drive, confirmed that they had a signed undertaking dated October 17, 2024, in which the late Bibi agreed to donate her eyes after her death.

Sudipta Saha Roy, general secretary of Ganadarpan, said in a statement on Friday, February 13, 2026, “In such cases, the consent of the family is the most important thing according to the law. They all agreed to donate. Then why did the police make an arrest? Mr. Sheikh was released only on bail; we demand that the case against him be closed as there is nothing wrong here.”

He also added that late Ms. Bibi’s donated cornea has already been taken to Murshidabad Government Medical College and is set to offer a new vision to many patients in need.