Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Gopalapuram Police, with help from the Medical and Health Department, busted a major illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket, arresting 8 people, including Dr. Athaluri Namratha (64), owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The case surfaced when a couple approached the clinic in August 2024 for IVF. Advised to pursue surrogacy, they were directed to the Visakhapatnam branch and paid over Rs 35 lakh over nine months. In June 2025, they were informed the surrogate had delivered a baby boy via C-section. The clinic handed over the child along with a falsified birth certificate listing them as biological parents. A later DNA test revealed no biological relation.

When the couple confronted the clinic, they faced threats and filed a police complaint. Investigations uncovered a widespread scam where vulnerable women, often seeking abortions, were coerced into surrogacy and paid minimal amounts. These babies were sold to unsuspecting couples as their own.

The racket used fake documents, unlicensed medical procedures, and false claims. Raids at clinics in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam led to the seizure of equipment and key evidence. Dr. Namratha’s son, an advocate, allegedly handled finances and helped threaten victims.

Arrested individuals include doctors, lab technicians, and agents. Authorities revealed over 10 earlier cases had been registered in both states. Though the fertility clinic’s license was previously cancelled, operations continued under fake credentials. Investigations are ongoing.