Secunderabad: DNA test shows IVF center swaps sperm, couple to take legal action
The fraud came to light after a DNA test confirmed that the child born through the treatment is not biologically related to the husband
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
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Hyderabad: A couple has alleged a grave case of fraud, medical malpractice, and human reproductive material trafficking involving a well-known fertility clinic operating in Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.
The victim, a 36-year-old homemaker from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, has lodged a complaint with the Gopalapuram Police, claiming that Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, led by Dr. Pachipali Namratha, deceived them during a surrogacy process and handed over a child not biologically related to either parent.
Misguided into Surrogacy despite being medically fit
The woman and her husband, after two miscarriages, approached Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in August 2024 while residing in Secunderabad.
Despite medical tests worth Rs 66,000 showing they were both fit to conceive naturally, Dr. Namratha allegedly pressured them into opting for surrogacy.
She assured them that their own sperm and eggs would be used to form embryos, which would be implanted in a surrogate mother arranged by the clinic.
Rs 30 L paid in instalments, No DNA test before handover
The couple agreed to the procedure, estimated to cost Rs 30 lakhāhalf paid via bank transfer, the rest in cash. Between August 2024 and May 2025, they transferred the full amount through various transactions.
In September 2024, their gametes were collected in the Visakhapatnam branch. Later, they were told that implantation in the surrogate was successful, and Dr. Namratha began sharing medical reports, but withheld originals and digital copies, raising suspicion.
Baby delivered, But DNA reveals shocking truth
In June 2025, the couple was informed the surrogate had delivered the baby through C-section at Lotus Hospital in Visakhapatnam.
The baby was handed over to woman, but when she asked for DNA proof and official documentation, she was told the test had not been conducted.
Suspicious, the couple independently got a DNA test done at a Delhi lab, which revealed the child was not biologically related to either of them.
Doctor stops responding after confrontation
After sharing the DNA report with Dr. Namratha via WhatsApp on June 19, 2025, she initially asked for time but soon blocked their numbers.
When confronted at the Secunderabad clinic, she allegedly admitted a āmistakeā but then fled the premises and became unreachable. The family suspects their gametes may have been sold or disposed of illegally and that a false surrogacy process was orchestrated.
FIR registered under multiple serious charges
Based on woman's detailed complaint, the Gopalapuram Police registered FIR No. 147/2025 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, including Sections 61, 316, 335, 336, and 340, as well as Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The investigation has been taken up by local authorities.
Call for Accountability and Protection of other families
The woman has urged authorities to take stringent legal action against Dr. Namratha and all individuals associated with the Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable families. She has also requested that her personal identity be kept confidential in the interest of privacy.
Inspector of Police, Gopalapuram Police Station, has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
