Have Hyderabad Police Transferred Fake Surrogacy Racket Cases to SIT?
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Synopsis
The Hyderabad police have escalated the investigation of a shocking fake surrogacy and child trafficking scheme to the Special Investigation Team. This scandal, involving numerous arrests, has unveiled a disturbing network exploiting vulnerable couples. How deep does this fraudulent operation run, and what does it mean for the future of fertility services in India?
Key Takeaways
- Fake surrogacy operations can exploit vulnerable couples emotionally and financially.
- Law enforcement is taking serious action against fraudulent practices.
- Awareness of rights and legal protections is crucial for couples seeking surrogacy services.
- Stringent regulations in fertility services are needed to prevent future fraud.
- Support systems must be established for victims of such rackets.
Hyderabad, Aug 12 (NationPress) The police in Hyderabad have officially handed over the cases involving a fraudulent surrogacy and child trafficking ring to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Crime Station.
The fraudulent operation was uncovered last month by the Gopalapuram police, leading to the arrest of Dr. Athaluri Namratha, the proprietor of Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, along with her accomplices.
According to S. Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the North Zone, an FIR was lodged on July 27 against Dr. Namratha and her associates for deceiving a couple with false surrogacy promises.
Further inquiry into the initial complaint unveiled a broader scheme of fraud, with numerous victims stepping forward to report similar instances of cheating, organized medical malpractice, and child trafficking.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement apprehended 25 individuals, including doctors, lab technicians, managers, agents, and biological parents associated with the illegal surrogacy and baby-selling operation masquerading as fertility services at the Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, which has branches in both Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.
The DCP indicated that the Gopalapuram police have filed eight additional criminal cases against Dr. Namratha and several of her associates for their alleged roles in an expansive illegal surrogacy and child trafficking operation. These individuals are charged with orchestrating a criminal network that systematically exploited vulnerable couples emotionally and financially.
In one shocking case, the accused extracted Rs. 22 lakhs from a couple under the pretense of surrogacy, only to present them with a deceased child, claiming it was theirs. The investigation revealed that the child had been born to an unrelated pregnant woman who later succumbed to health issues.
In another incident, a victim paid 12.5 lakhs for surrogacy services, yet the identity of the surrogate was never disclosed to them.
Moreover, in yet another case, victims spent approximately 19 lakhs for surrogacy, receiving a pre-term baby girl. However, DNA tests showed the baby did not match their genetic material. When they inquired, the accused threatened them, prompting them to file a complaint.
A separate complaint was lodged against Dr. Namratha for fraudulently utilizing the name of a 90-year-old gynecologist, Suri Shrimathi, alongside her medical license details on all official correspondence and documents to deceive victims.
Given the severity of these crimes, the cases have been transferred to the CCS SIT for in-depth investigation.
The DCP noted that Dr. Namratha set up several fertility clinics across Secunderabad, Kondapur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata. Initially, she claimed to assist patients facing infertility, later promoting surrogacy with assurances that all legal obligations would be managed by her clinic. After collecting substantial amounts from clients, she acquired biological samples and provided updates on the pregnancy's 'progress' via phone.
At the time of delivery, infants were obtained from vulnerable mothers through a network of agents and handed over to clients, falsely asserting they came from the clients' samples. To support the deception, fake medical and DNA reports were fabricated. The original mother's sample was used instead of the victim's, leading to their deception. Reports indicate agents received Rs. 3.5 lakhs for a girl and Rs. 4.5 lakhs for a boy, while clients were charged up to Rs. 30 to 40 lakhs in each case,” stated the DCP.
Previously, Dr. Namratha had been implicated in around 15 criminal cases across Gopalapuram, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur, with some cases being settled while others remain in court.
This pattern of deception underscores a coordinated effort spanning across cities, highlighting medical malpractice and child trafficking, indicative of a criminal syndicate exploiting vulnerabilities in fertility laws. Dr. Namratha established this network with agents in multiple Indian states, systematically targeting emotionally distressed couples and profiting from their desperation, all while disregarding human rights, medical ethics, and legal standards, added the police official.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the severe implications of this case on public trust in medical institutions. This incident not only highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in fertility services but also calls for awareness to protect emotionally vulnerable couples from such predatory practices. We stand firmly with the victims and support justice in this harrowing situation.
NationPress
19/08/2025
