The clinic, Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, allegedly lured poor women into surrogacy and illegally trafficked reproductive material interstate
Hyderabad: The police have dismantled an illegal surrogacy and sperm trafficking network operating from a fertility clinic in Secunderabad, resulting in the arrest of 10 people, including a doctor.
The operation came to light following a shocking revelation by a couple who discovered that the child born via surrogacy was not genetically related to them.
The investigation was prompted by a formal complaint lodged by a couple from Rajasthan, currently residing in Secunderabad. The couple had paid Rs35 lakh to Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in Regimental Bazaar last year for a surrogacy procedure. When the baby was born earlier this year, their repeated requests for DNA verification of the surrogate mother were delayed by Dr Namrata, the clinic’s manager.
Taking matters into their own hands, the couple organised independent DNA testing in Delhi. The test results confirmed that the child shared no biological connection with them. Confronted in June with the DNA evidence, Dr Namrata reportedly admitted to a “mix-up” and sought time to resolve the matter, only to go missing shortly after, prompting the couple to approach the Gopalapuram Police.
Clinic raided, samples preserved
Acting swiftly, the Hyderabad Police conducted late-night raids at the clinic, questioning staff until the early hours. During the operation, crucial records were seized, and sperm samples were secured for forensic analysis.
Hyderabad North Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rashmi Perumal stated, “The operation allegedly involved luring poor people into surrogacy and the illicit inter-state transfer of reproductive materials.”
Deepening probe reveals widespread network
The inquiry has since unearthed a wide-reaching inter-state racket. Authorities discovered that the fertility clinic was allegedly engaged in the unlawful collection and distribution of sperm and egg samples to states including Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The centre was found to be collaborating with an unregistered firm, Indian Sperm Tech.
Seven people associated with this network have been arrested so far: Pankaj Soni, regional manager of Indian Sperm Tech, along with Sampath, Srinu, Jitender, Shiva, Manikantha, and Boro. All are believed to be involved in sourcing and shipping reproductive material illegally.
Misrepresentation and exploitation alleged
DCP Rashmi Perumal confirmed that Dr Namrata had collected over Rs35 lakh from the couple for surrogacy services. It has also emerged that a woman was flown from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam to deliver the baby, with Dr Namrata allegedly convincing the couple that the child was theirs. Investigators say the doctor routinely lured economically disadvantaged women into acting as surrogates.
More centres under scanner
Police suspect more fertility clinics and agents could be implicated in the racket. Officials are now examining potential violations under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, surrogacy laws, and other medical and ethical regulations.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
