Cash-for-baby scam: SIT takes over probe into crimes by Srushti Fertility Centre

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police have handed over investigations related to a sprawling fake surrogacy and child trafficking racket to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Crime Station (CCS).

The case surfaced after the Gopalapuram police arrested Dr Athaluri Namratha, owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, and several associates last month.

Initial complaint unveils deceptive network

Disclosing the case details before the media persons, DCP (North Zone) Rashmi Perumal said that the probe began with an FIR filed on July 27, accusing Dr Namratha and her team of cheating a couple with false surrogacy claims.

Further investigations revealed a much larger criminal network involving multiple victims alleging organised medical fraud, emotional exploitation, and child trafficking, she added.

Syndicate members arrested across multiple roles

Elaborating further, the DCP said that the police have arrested 25 people, including doctors, lab technicians, clinic managers, agents, and biological parents linked to the racket. The illegal surrogacy operation ran under the guise of fertility treatments at Universal Srushti’s branches in Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.

Disturbing cases highlight fraud and malpractice

One victim couple paid Rs 22 lakh, only to be shown a deceased child unrelated to them; the baby belonged to an unconnected woman who died of complications.

Another couple paid Rs 12.5 lakh but was never informed about the surrogate’s identity. A third case involved a premature baby handed over to a couple, but DNA tests showed no match; the victims faced threats after raising concerns, the DCP said.

Forgery and misuse of medical credentials

Dr Namratha allegedly misused the name and medical license of 90-year-old gynecologist Suri Shrimathi on official documents to deceive clients. This fraudulent practice was part of the racket’s larger scheme to gain trust.

Multi-State operations and financial exploitation

Dr Namratha operated clinics across Secunderabad, Kondapur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata.

Vulnerable couples were charged exorbitant amounts, ranging from Rs 30 to 40 lakh—while agents received payments between Rs 3.5 lakh (for girls) and Rs 4.5 lakh (for boys).

Babies were procured from other mothers, and fake medical and DNA reports were fabricated to cover up the deception.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

Dr Namratha is linked to approximately 15 criminal cases in multiple cities, with several cases currently under trial. Authorities describe the racket as a well-organised syndicate exploiting loopholes in fertility laws and preying on couples’ desperation, blatantly violating medical ethics and human rights.

The SIT at CCS has taken over the investigation for a detailed inquiry into the extensive racket, the DCP added.