In a major crackdown, Hyderabad Police have uncovered a large-scale illegal surrogacy and sperm trafficking operation in Secunderabad, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals, including a doctor linked to a fertility clinic.
The accused, Dr Namrata, manages Universal Srushti Fertility Centre located in Regimental Bazaar. The clinic was raided following a formal complaint by a couple who alleged that the child born through a surrogacy arrangement facilitated by the clinic was not genetically related to them.
According to Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone), the racket involved coercing vulnerable individuals into surrogacy and illegally transporting reproductive materials across state lines.
“The operation allegedly involved luring poor people into surrogacy and the illicit inter-state transfer of reproductive materials,” the DCP stated during a press briefing.
The case came to light when a couple from Rajasthan, currently residing in Secunderabad, paid ₹35 lakh last year for a surrogacy procedure at the clinic. Suspicious of the clinic’s delays and evasiveness, they independently conducted DNA testing, which revealed that the newborn was not biologically related to either parent.
Despite repeated requests, Dr Namrata allegedly refused to facilitate DNA verification of the surrogate mother, prompting the couple to file a police complaint.
Police believe the racket extends beyond Telangana and may involve inter-state networks of illegal surrogacy and sperm trafficking. Authorities are investigating possible links to other fertility clinics and agents operating across state borders.
All 10 suspects, including medical and administrative staff from the clinic, are currently in custody. Police have also seized documents, medical records, and digital evidence during the raid, which could further unravel the extent of the scam.
The incident has triggered serious concerns about the lack of regulation and ethical violations in India’s booming fertility industry. The Telangana State Medical Council is expected to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the accused doctor pending further inquiry.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)