Money Laundering Charges Linked to Baby-Selling Racket
A Telangana-based fertility specialist was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to an alleged illegal surrogacy and child trafficking racket. The agency accused the doctor of sourcing infants from vulnerable families and passing them off as surrogate-born babies for childless couples.
Hyderabad-Based Clinic Under Scanner
Owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Research Centre Held
The accused, who owns the Universal Srushti Fertility Research Centre in Hyderabad, was taken into custody after reportedly being evasive and non-cooperative during questioning. The arrest follows an extensive probe into the clinic’s alleged role in orchestrating fraudulent surrogacy arrangements.
Court Sends Accused to Judicial Custody
Remanded Till February 26
A local court in Nampally, Hyderabad, remanded the doctor to judicial custody till February 26. The ED stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to trace the financial trail and uncover the scale of the alleged racket.
Case Originates from FIR in Hyderabad
Gopalapuram Police Station Investigation
The money laundering case stems from an FIR registered at the Gopalapuram Police Station in Hyderabad. The charges include fraud, cheating, criminal conspiracy, illegal surrogacy practices, and child trafficking.
Alleged Racket Operating Since 2014
Network of Agents Targeted Vulnerable Women
According to the ED, the doctor had allegedly been providing newborn babies to childless couples since 2014. Investigations revealed the involvement of a network of agents and sub-agents who reportedly identified and lured poor and pregnant women with money to give up their babies after birth.
Payment Structure for Infants
Differential Rates for Male and Female Children
The agency alleged that the doctor paid around Rs 3.5 lakh for a female child and Rs 4.5 lakh for a male child. These deliveries were reportedly conducted at a hospital in Visakhapatnam after authorities revoked the license of her Secunderabad facility.
Forged Documents and False Parentage Claims
Birth Records Allegedly Manipulated
To make the arrangements appear legitimate, patients’ gametes were reportedly collected for implantation. However, infants were allegedly procured separately and birth records were forged to show the names of childless couples as biological parents, instead of the actual birth parents.
Continued Operations Despite Legal Action
License Suspension and Prior Arrest
The ED claimed the accused continued the alleged fake surrogacy operations even after multiple cases were registered against her and her medical license was suspended. She had earlier been arrested by state police and was granted bail in November 2025, but investigations into the money laundering angle led to her latest arrest.
