ANDHRA PRADESH: Andhra Surrogacy Scandal: Illegal Baby Trade Uncovered
Hyderabad police have dismantled a sophisticated illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket at Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in Secunderabad, arresting 10 individuals, including the center’s manager, Dr. Athaluri Namratha, and associates linked to Indian Sperm Tech.
The scandal, uncovered after a couple discovered their surrogate-born child was not biologically theirs, has prompted investigations into interstate trafficking and violations of surrogacy laws.
DNA Mismatch Sparks Investigation
A Rajasthan couple, Govind Singh and Sonia, residing in Secunderabad, paid ₹30 lakh to Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in August 2024 for surrogacy, expecting a child using their gametes.
After the child’s birth in June 2025, independent DNA testing in Delhi revealed no genetic link, prompting a complaint to Gopalapuram police. Dr. Namratha’s subsequent disappearance led to raids and arrests.
Interstate Trafficking Network Uncovered
Investigations revealed the fertility center collaborated with Indian Sperm Tech, an unlicensed firm, to illegally collect and transport sperm and eggs to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Seven individuals, including Pankaj Soni, Indian Sperm Tech’s regional manager, and associates Sampath, Srinu, Jitender, Shiva, Manikantha, and Boro, were arrested for their roles in this illicit network.
Exploitation of Vulnerable Communities
The racket allegedly lured vulnerable women, including those seeking abortions, to continue pregnancies for small payouts, with newborns sold as surrogate children to unsuspecting clients.
Police raids uncovered forged documents, including fake birth certificates, and seized 16 sperm samples and Aadhaar cards from Indian Sperm Tech, highlighting systemic exploitation.
Legal and Ethical Violations
The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and violations of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
The Telangana Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance, directing the Health Department to investigate and submit a report by August 28, 2025, amid concerns over unregulated fertility practices.
Operational Deceptions and Financial Fraud
Dr. Namratha, operating since 1998, allegedly charged clients ₹20-40 lakh, promising biological children through surrogacy while delivering unrelated infants.
The couple was misled with falsified updates and documentation, including a staged delivery in Visakhapatnam, exposing a pattern of fraud across the center’s branches in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Probes
The scandal has raised alarms about unregulated fertility clinics, with authorities probing potential links to other centers across India. The infant, diagnosed with a chronic illness, has been placed with Sishu Vihar, while police continue interrogating the accused to uncover the full extent of the racket.