CCS SIT takes over `Srushti’ cash-for-baby scam probe; raids conducted in Telangana, Andhra

Hyderabad: Universal Srushti Fertility Centre’s cash-for-baby case has been transferred to Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) Special Investigation Team (SIT) for thorough investigation.

Universal Srushti Fertility Centre owner Dr. Athaluri Namratha is accused of duping childless couples with false promises of IVF and surrogacy.

The move to transfer the case to CCS SIT comes after multiple complaints exposed a large-scale racket targeting desperate couples.

Raids across Andhra and Telangana

On Friday, six SIT teams conducted simultaneous searches in Secunderabad, Kondapur, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. Officials confirmed the seizure of vital confidential documents and digital evidence.

How the racket worked

According to investigators, Dr. Namratha lured couples by declaring them “fit” for IVF treatment but later pushed them into costly surrogacy.

Victims were sent to Visakhapatnam for sample collection, after which fabricated scan reports were shown, falsely claiming embryo formation.

Couples were charged between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, with promises of legal support and surrogate arrangements.

Infants handed over to CWC

Earlier, two infants linked to the racket were handed over by the accused to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officials at Sishuvihar, raising further concerns about the scale of the fraud.

Arrests and Recoveries

The Gopalapuram police had initially registered nine cases, leading to the arrest of 25 persons. During earlier raids at Universal Srushti Fertility Centre (Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam), Lotus Hospital, and other premises, investigators recovered 97 incriminating items.

SIT intensifies probe

With the re-registration of all nine cases, SIT officials said the investigation will now focus on tracing financial transactions, forged medical reports, and the involvement of other institutions in the racket.