At the Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in Secunderabad, the Hyderabad Police have uncovered a significant baby trafficking and surrogacy racket. The controversy involves 80 couples, many of whom are accused of cheating by employing fake surrogacy and IVF services. Couples have occasionally given birth to children who have no biological ties. In others, full payment was made, but no baby was sent.
So far, 25 people have been arrested, including agents, clinic staff, and even the biological parents of an infant. The prime accused, Dr A. Namratha, is at the centre of it all. She also allegedly used a 94-year-old doctor’s license without his knowledge. Investigators now suspect a broader trafficking network and financial fraud, while the state has launched a full review of IVF clinics.
Fake Babies, Real Money
Couples paid between Rs 12.5 lakh and Rs 44 lakh for IVF or surrogacy services. Some children were not genetically related to them. Others got nothing. A couple triggered the investigation after discovering that the baby they received wasn’t biologically theirs. The clinic allegedly faked medical conditions to push couples into surrogacy, even when natural conception was possible.
Police say Dr Namratha used babies from poor families, presenting them as surrogate children. The motive is completely profit. Officials are now checking if more such fraudulent handovers happened.
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25 Arrested & Counting
The case has already led to 25 arrests. Among the latest eight are clinic staff, agents, and the biological parents of a baby. Another key accused is Dr Vidyulatha, a medical practitioner from Visakhapatnam. Police say she helped with fake records and illegal procedures.
The North Zone Police have filed eight FIRs and expect more. Investigators believe the racket used a wide network of agents, some even from outside Telangana, to lure vulnerable women.
Misuse of Medical Licenses
A shocking twist emerged when police discovered that Dr Namratha allegedly used a 94-year-old doctor’s license to conduct unauthorized procedures. The doctor did not know about the misuse. Investigators now suspect she may have used the names of other doctors as well, prompting a separate FIR. This brings up important issues regarding medical licenses and enforcement monitoring.
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DNA Testing: A Needed Reform?
This case has sparked an important debate, Should DNA testing be necessary in all surrogacy cases? Many believe that these tests could prevent fraud and safeguard commissioning parents. Without DNA testing, biological links cannot be verified, which permits dishonesty. The growing number of victims suggests that urgent legal reform is necessary.
Police believe the network may have smuggled more babies than initially believed. The financial trail shows a complex mix of cash and digital payments, which could be a sign of tax evasion. If confirmed, authorities plan to involve the Enforcement Directorate.
The racket allegedly sold babies from poor families, bypassing all legal safeguards. This could make the case one of the biggest baby trafficking crimes in recent years.
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State Begins IVF Clinic Crackdown
In response, the Telangana government has set up a high-level committee to inspect all private IVF and fertility centres. The panel will check compliance with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Their report is due in ten days. The state wants to ensure this does not happen again. But for the 80 couples who may have been cheated, the damage is already done.
