A 24-year-old visually impaired law student from Delhi has alleged that he was nearly coerced into donating an organ during a stopover in Mumbai. Simon Johnson, who is completely blind and currently pursuing an LLB degree in Delhi, claimed that an acquaintance who had earlier worked as his scribe took him to a hospital in Andheri under suspicious circumstances, reported Mid Day. Johnson was travelling to Thiruvananthapuram to attend a computer programming course when the incident allegedly unfolded. The duo had departed from Delhi on Friday and reportedly arrived in Vasai by Saturday afternoon. The allegations have now raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable travellers.
Johnson alleged that soon after reaching Mumbai, his companion pretended to fall ill and insisted on visiting a hospital in Andheri. Johnson then stated he was made to sit in the hospital lobby while his acquaintance spoke with others in Marathi, a language he could not understand, reported Mid Day. He suspected that they were discussing plans related to his kidney donation. “My phone was charging, so I could not call the police immediately. After five minutes, I was called into a room where they checked my blood pressure and medical records, and I believe even an injection was used. I was told it was because of high blood pressure. I protested, but they didn't listen to me, and I couldn't understand what they were saying in Hindi,” said Johnson, reported Mid Day.
The student further stated that he later contacted the emergency helpline number 112 and eventually managed to reach Shivaji Park police station for assistance. Police personnel later escorted him to MN Banajee Industrial Home for the Blind, located in Jogeshwari, where he was provided temporary shelter. Johnson claimed that he has been trying to register an FIR regarding the incident, but has not yet received clarity on the process, reported Mid Day. “I have tried to file an FIR, but no one has helped me understand what is happening yet,” said Johnson, reported Mid Day.
Johnson also revealed that the same acquaintance had allegedly approached him around six months ago with a request to donate a kidney for his mother. He claimed that he had refused the request at that time. Recalling the recent incident, Johnson said he became increasingly suspicious during the hospital visit and decided to leave the premises, reported Mid Day. According to him, after regaining possession of his phone, the acquaintance dropped him near Dadar railway station and claimed he would return shortly. “I started protesting and said that I would call the authorities, but my phone was with him. I quickly apologised, got my phone back, and my scribe dropped me at Dadar railway station. He said he would return in five minutes, but never did,” he said, reported Mid Day.
According to a letter issued by Shivaji Park police station, Johnson has been safely accommodated at a home for visually impaired individuals in Jogeshwari, reported Mid Day. Police officials stated that although the student has levelled serious allegations, a formal complaint has not yet been officially registered. Authorities said further action would depend on the filing of a detailed statement and complaint by the student. Meanwhile, the matter has sparked concern regarding the exploitation of differently abled individuals and the need for stronger safeguards in such cases.