Hyderabad: Hyderabad North Zone Police in joint operation with the Medical and Health Department, dismantled a large-scale illegal surrogacy and baby-selling operation run through a chain of fertility clinics across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The prime accused, Dr. Athaluri Namratha (64), owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centers, and nine others were arrested following a months-long investigation. The other accused are identified as Pachipala Jayanth Krishna, C. Kalyani Atchayyamma, Gollamandala Chenna Rao, Nargula Sadanandam, Anesthesia Specialist and working doctor in Gandhi Hospital, Dhanasri Santoshi, Mohammed Ali Adik, and Nasreen Begum.

How the racket operated

The racket came to light after a Hyderabad-based couple, who had paid Rs 35 lakh for surrogacy services at Dr. Namratha’s Gopalapuram clinic, discovered through a DNA test that the child handed to them was not biologically theirs.

Investigations revealed that the accused lured vulnerable women, particularly those seeking abortions, into carrying pregnancies in exchange for money. Fabricated birth certificates to falsely show the child as biologically belonging to the paying clients. Ran unlicensed IVF procedures, creating embryos and conducting medical treatments without proper approvals. Used intimidation tactics, with Dr. Namratha’s son (an advocate) threatening clients who raised concerns.

Key Arrests and Seizures

Among those arrested were Dr. Namratha, the mastermind operating clinics in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kondapur. Her associates, including lab technicians, managers, and medical professionals like an anesthetist from Gandhi Hospital. Two individuals from Assam were identified as the biological parents of the baby sold to the complainant couple. Seized items included medical equipment, forged documents, digital devices, and financial records.

Past Offenses

Despite previous cases registered in Visakhapatnam, Guntur, and Hyderabad, and the clinic’s registration being cancelled, the accused continued operations by fraudulently using another doctor’s name on official paperwork. “More than 10 cases have been registered previously so far at Maharanipeta PS, II Town PS (Visakhapatnam), Gopalapuram PS (Hyderabad), and Kothapeta PS (Guntur). The investigation is ongoing, and further legal action is being pursued. The Medical and Health Department had cancelled the registration of the involved fertility clinic previously, but the accused continued to operate the place from the building and putting the name of another certified doctor, Dr. Suri Shrimati, on the official letterheads of the clinic," said Hyderabad police in a statement.

Message to the Public

The police urge the public to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to fraudulent fertility or surrogacy services. Commercial surrogacy is banned as per Indian laws, and such clinics that promise such surrogacy treatments must be immediately reported.  Always consult only licensed and legally compliant medical professionals.

“Victims who have undergone similar experiences are encouraged to come forward and contact the Gopalapuram Police Station or their nearest police unit. Your cooperation is vital in dismantling such unethical and criminal networks. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in human trafficking, illegal surrogacy, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” said S. Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone, Hyderabad.