ANDHRA PRADESH: Srishti Fertility Scam: New FIRs Expose Wider Fraud
Recent developments in the Srishti Fertility Center case have unveiled a sophisticated network of deceit, with Gopalapuram police registering four additional First Information Reports (FIRs) against the clinic’s management.
Complaints from victims, substantiated by medical reports, reveal systemic fraud involving in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy services. The allegations point to extortion, forged documentation, and unethical medical practices orchestrated by key figures at the facility.
Escalating Allegations of Financial Exploitation
A couple from Nalgonda reported being defrauded of ₹44 lakh by Namrata, a fertility manager at Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, and her associates.
The accused, including Namrata, Sadanandam, Chenna Rao, Archana, and Surekha, allegedly misled the couple under the guise of surrogacy services.
A formal case has been registered based on the victims’ complaint, highlighting a pattern of financial exploitation targeting vulnerable individuals seeking parenthood.
Deceptive Medical Practices Uncovered
In a separate incident, a Hyderabad resident accused Namrata and her associates of administering hormone injections under the pretext of surrogacy preparation.
The victim was later directed to the clinic’s Visakhapatnam branch, where a smear was provided, and ₹18 lakh was extorted. The accused in this case include Namrata, Dr. Vidyulatha, Kalyani, Seshagiri, and Srinivasa Reddy, with a case registered to investigate these fraudulent practices.
Targeting Non-Resident Indians
The scam’s reach extended to non-resident Indians (NRIs), with one complaint detailing the extortion of ₹25 lakh. The victims alleged that Namrata’s network provided false assurances of legitimate surrogacy services, only to deliver fabricated outcomes.
A case has been filed against Namrata, underscoring the clinic’s exploitation of international clients seeking fertility solutions.
Large-Scale Fraud Against Local Victims
Another Hyderabad couple reported being defrauded of ₹50 lakh by Namrata, Chenna Rao, and Surekha. The victims provided medical reports and documentation to support their claims, prompting the Gopalapuram police to register a case.
This incident further exposes the clinic’s systematic approach to deceiving clients with promises of biological parenthood through illicit means.
Ongoing Investigations and Regulatory Violations
The Gopalapuram police, supported by health authorities, have intensified their probe into Universal Srushti Fertility Centre’s operations.
Previous investigations revealed the clinic’s license was revoked in 2021, yet it continued to operate illegally, using unregistered equipment and forged documents. The Telangana Human Rights Commission has also sought a comprehensive report on the scandal, signaling potential broader implications for fertility clinic regulations.
Public Advisory and Legal Repercussions
Authorities have issued a public advisory urging citizens to verify the credentials of fertility clinics and report suspicious activities. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal conspiracy, forgery, and breach of trust, alongside violations of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. With multiple cases pending across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the investigation aims to dismantle this unethical network.