Jabalpur:A shocking case of illegalbloodtrade has come to light atNetaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical Collegein Jabalpur, where two men were caught red-handed while selling blood to patients for Rs 4,000 - Rs 5,000 per unit. Both the accused are now in police custody. The incident came to light after a social organisation that provides free blood to needy patients received multiple complaints about touts demanding money for blood outside the hospital. Acting on the tip-off, the volunteers set a trap and caught the accused, identified as Annu and Johnson, both residents of Jabalpur. To confirm the claims, two women volunteers posed as buyers and contacted the accused. According to the volunteers, they posed as patient relatives and approached the accused, who demanded Rs 5,000 for a unit of blood. When the accused arrived at a coffee shop to close the deal, security staff and organisation members surrounded and caught them. Also read-No prescription, No Donor- Just Cash: Blood Black market exposed in MP Hospitals The accused, who have long been active in the hospital, are part of a gang with more than 50 members involved in collecting and selling blood illegally. Speaking on this, Chief Security Officer of the Medical College, Vikas Naidu, toldBhaskar, "The accused had tried to flee but was quickly stopped by guards. The operation was carried out with the support of the Medical Security Department. Rahul Tiwari, a member of the social organisation, said, "The group regularly arranges blood for thalassemia patients and the poor. The gang had been selling blood to patients’ relatives for months, taking advantage of those who could not get blood from official sources." "The gang is believed to have contacts in blood banks and outside sources. Many patients coming from distant areas for treatment were being approached by brokers who offered blood for a high price," he added. Calling the incident a serious crime, Dean of the Medical College, Dr Navneet Saxena said, "Strict action would be taken against anyone involved in selling blood. The hospital administration has instructed the security agency to increase surveillance around the blood bank and check every suspicious person. No illegal dealings will be tolerated on campus." CSP Ashish Jain confirmed that both accused were handed over to the Garha police by the social organisation. Initial findings suggest they had direct links with people inside blood banks. Police are now investigating how many people have been cheated and where the blood came from. Also read-Blood Urea Nitrogen-to-Albumin Ratio Predicts 28-Day Mortality in ICU Patients with CKD: Study