Authorities arrest 10 in shocking surrogacy racket, clinic sold babies clinics sold babies using forged IVF claims after purchasing new Borns for ₹90,000
The Universal Srushti Fertility Centre in Hyderabad has been found to be involved in an illegal surrogacy and baby-selling scheme. Police investigations uncovered that babies were bought for ₹90,000 from poor families and sold to hopeful couples for as much as ₹35 lakh, falsely claiming to offer IVF procedures.
The case came to light when a couple from Rajasthan, eager to become parents, paid ₹35 lakh to the clinic in August 2024. In June 2025, they received a baby boy. However, concerns arose months later when the child began experiencing health issues. A DNA test revealed that he was not biologically related to either parent, leading to a criminal complaint and a police investigation.
After the complaint, the Gopalapuram Police arrested ten people, including the clinic’s main doctor, Dr. Namratha Athaluri, two lab technicians, clinic managers, and even the biological parents of the child. Investigators found forged medical documents, evidence of donor specimen trafficking across states, and numerous cases of similar fraud.
Police sources confirmed that the clinic continued its operations even after its license was suspended. It used a broader network that stretched across Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada, trafficking gametes and newborns. The investigations indicate possible violations of the PCPNDT Act and significant medical negligence.
Authorities have placed the infant in a government-run Sishu Vihar in Ameerpet, as the couple who received him has declined custody. The Child Welfare Committee may declare the baby legally eligible for adoption if no claims are made within two months.
The Health Department has also set up special inspection teams to review around 158 registered fertility centers in the city. There are concerns that many unregistered clinics may be offering unauthorized services.