Is There a Surrogacy Racket in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
The ED's investigation into an illegal surrogacy racket in Hyderabad unfolds as Dr. Pachipalli Namratha faces questioning in jail. With numerous arrests and shocking revelations about fraudulent practices, this case raises serious questions about ethics in reproductive services. Stay updated as the story develops.
Key Takeaways
- The ED is actively investigating a surrogacy racket in Hyderabad.
- Dr. Pachipalli Namratha is a key figure in the alleged scheme.
- Fraudulent practices involved significant deception of couples seeking IVF and surrogacy.
- Over 25 arrests have been made in connection with the case.
- The investigation emphasizes the need for regulation in reproductive health services.
Hyderabad, Oct 22 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) initiated an inquiry on Wednesday involving Dr. Pachipalli Namratha and other suspects at Chanchalguda Jail, as part of the ongoing investigation into an illicit surrogacy racket.
In connection with alleged money laundering activities, ED officials were interrogating Dr. Namratha, her son Pachipala Jayanth Krishna, Muthipeta Nandini, and Dhanasri Santoshi Chitikireddi Kalyani, following authorization from a local court.
The Nampally criminal court has granted permission for the ED to continue questioning the suspects in jail until October 28.
Last month, the ED conducted operations in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) related to the illegal surrogacy scheme managed by Dr. Namratha, also known as Athluri Namratha, under the guise of Universal Srusthi Fertility & Research Centre.
The central agency has seized vital documents, including details of deceived couples and assets owned by Dr. Namratha.
This investigation was triggered by multiple FIRs filed at the Gopalapuram Police Station in Hyderabad concerning allegations of fraud, cheating, criminal conspiracy, illegal surrogacy, and child trafficking.
Discovered in August this year, the scheme involved defrauding couples with bogus IVF and surrogacy packages, trafficking infants, and creating forged documents to facilitate these illegal operations, even after the clinic's license was revoked in 2021.
Approximately 25 individuals have been apprehended in this case, which is under scrutiny by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Hyderabad Central Crime Station.
ED’s searches led to the recovery of documents illustrating that Dr. Namratha had been providing such services to couples nationwide at various centers located in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Kolkata, and more.
The seized documents also indicated that Dr. Namratha had been involved in these activities for over a decade.
She fabricated legal documents in the form of surrogacy agreements to suggest that childless couples and surrogates approached her independently, portraying her merely as a facilitator of surrogacy services.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into the illegal surrogacy racket in Hyderabad highlights the critical need for stringent regulations in reproductive health services. As the ED continues its inquiry, it is imperative to ensure that ethical practices are upheld to protect the rights of individuals seeking these services.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ED investigating in Hyderabad?
The ED is investigating an illegal surrogacy racket involving Dr. Pachipalli Namratha and others, focusing on allegations of fraud and money laundering.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
Approximately 25 individuals have been arrested, and the ED has seized incriminating documents and assets related to the case.
How long has the illegal activity been ongoing?
The activities related to this illegal surrogacy racket have reportedly been ongoing for over a decade.
