Hyderabad: Fabricated pregnancies, newborns sourced from vulnerable mothers, backed by fake DNA reports and forged medical records, revealed the investigation of the Gopalapuram Police into Namratha's Universal Srushti Fertility Center. With eight new cases and ties to 15 prior cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it uncovered a sprawling child trafficking network operating under the guise of fertility treatments. The case has been transferred to the Central Crime Station (CCS) Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a deeper probe.

The illegal surrogacy scam had led to the arrest of 25 individuals, including doctors, agents, and clinic staff. The mastermind, Dr. Athaluri Namratha, owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centers, and her associates are accused of defrauding desperate couples, faking pregnancies, and trafficking newborns for profit.

Modus Operandi

The accused lured couples with promises of legal surrogacy, collected hefty sums (ranging from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 40 lakh per case), and later handed over babies procured from vulnerable mothers. Fake DNA reports and medical records were used to deceive victims.

Investigation revealed clinics operating in Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and other cities, with agents sourcing babies from poor families for Rs 3.5 lakh (girls) to Rs 4.5 lakh (boys). In a press briefing on the status of the ongoing probe into Dr Namratha’s fraud, S. Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police North Zone, Hyderabad, said, “Dr. Namratha faces 15 prior cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for similar fraud, surrogacy scams, and child trafficking. Some cases were compromised, while others are pending trial”.

Based on the investigation, another eight new First Information Report (FIRs) were filed under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Juvenile Justice Act.  

So far, police have arrested 25 accused in connection with the scam, among the arrested Dr. Namratha (main accused), her son Pachipala Jayanth Krishna (lawyer), and clinic staff. Further, police arrested agents like Dhanasri Santoshi and Mohammed Asha Begum, who sourced babies. And Birth parents Mohammed Ali Adik and Nasreen Begum from Assam who sold infants.

Criminal network and organized crime

“The pattern of deception highlights coordinated efforts across cities, medical malpractices, and child trafficking, clearly indicating to a criminal syndicate which exploits loopholes in fertility laws. The accused, Namratha, created the network with her agents in many states in India. The network systematically targeted emotionally distressed couples and monetized their desperation with complete disregard for human rights, medical ethics, and the law,” said DCP S. Rashmi Perumal.

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 any clinic that promises 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 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 child trafficking, illegal surrogacy, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The present case has been investigated by Detective Inspector BV Kausheek of Gopalapuram PS, assisted by SHO Gopalapuram, DI Bowenpally Sardar Naik, SHO Marredpally Venkatesh, and their crime teams under the supervision of ACP Gopalapuram and DCP North Zone. Due to the efforts of the North Zone police teams, 25 accused involved in the present cases were swiftly arrested and remanded.