ED searches nine locations in Shrusthi IVF scam
HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on Thursday at nine locations in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam in connection with the Shrusthi Fertility Centre scam. The agency has also registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on multiple FIRs and begun tracing the financial trail.
Large-scale IVF fraud under probe
The case centres on Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, also called Shrusthi Clinic, run by Dr Athaluri Namratha. Since 2019, Hyderabad police have booked several cases against her and associates following complaints from couples who alleged DNA mismatches in babies, infant substitution and non-execution of paid procedures.
Complainants said they were charged between ₹11 lakh and ₹44 lakh for fertility and surrogacy packages. In several instances, either procedures were not performed or babies handed over had no biological link to the couples. Despite the cancellation of its licence in 2021, the centre allegedly continued to operate illegally in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Investigators also found forged IVF records, fake birth certificates and use of unauthorised staff and equipment.
One case pointed to infant trafficking. A baby allegedly bought from a poor family for ₹90,000 was sold to a client for ₹35 lakh, presented as a child born through treatment.
Arrests and SIT probe
Dr Namratha, 64, has been arrested along with at least 24 others, including doctors, agents, technicians and biological parents accused of supplying infants. The probe widened after three government doctors in Andhra Pradesh were suspended.
So far, nine cases have been registered, with Hyderabad CCS Special Investigation Team supervising the probe. Victims, including NRI couples, alleged they were denied details of surrogates, provided non-biological children and refused refunds. Complaints also cite forged medical records and certificates.
Wider fallout and ED action
The scandal has prompted a crackdown on fertility clinics in Telangana, exposing gaps in regulation and staffing norms. The Telangana High Court has directed that affected children be reunited with their biological families and strict legal action pursued.
The ED’s money laundering case has added a financial crime angle to what is emerging as one of Hyderabad’s biggest fertility scams, with wide medical, legal and social implications across states.
