Hyderabad: In a major crackdown, Hyderabad Police have busted a large-scale illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket operating under the guise of a fertility clinic. Eight individuals, including a senior fertility specialist and the owner of a chain of clinics across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Case Unfolds After DNA Test Reveals Shocking Truth
The scam came to light when a couple, who had approached the clinic for fertility treatment, conducted a DNA test after receiving a newborn allegedly delivered through surrogacy. The test results revealed that the child was not biologically related to them, prompting the couple to lodge a police complaint.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone) S. Rashmi Perumal, the clinic misled the victims into believing the baby was born through a legitimate surrogacy process. However, investigations revealed that the infant had been sold by its original parents.
Prime Accused Lured Vulnerable Women, Misused Surrogacy Cover
The main accused, Dr A. Namratha (64), along with her agents, targeted vulnerable women — particularly those seeking abortions — and persuaded them to carry pregnancies to term in exchange for money. The newborns were then passed off as surrogate-born babies to unsuspecting clients.
The police stated that Dr Namratha operated a network of fertility centers in Hyderabad (Gopalapuram), Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Kondapur, where she allegedly collected Rs 20–30 lakh per client by promising fertility solutions.
Victim Couple Paid Rs 35 Lakh for Surrogacy Procedure
The complainant couple approached the clinic in August 2024 for an IVF consultation and paid around Rs 35 lakh in installments over nine months. The procedure involved visits to the clinic’s Vishakapatnam branch, where they were assured that a surrogate mother would carry their embryo.
In June 2025, the couple was informed that the surrogate had delivered a baby boy via C-section. They were handed over the child along with fabricated documents, including a false birth certificate that falsely listed the couple as the biological parents.
DNA Test Confirms Fraud; Victims Threatened for Seeking Clarification
Suspicious over the absence of surrogacy references in the paperwork, the couple conducted a DNA test which confirmed the baby was not biologically theirs. When they approached the clinic for clarification, they were denied documentation and reportedly threatened by Dr Namratha’s son, a practicing advocate who handled the clinic’s finances and legal intimidation.
Original Parents Identified and Arrested; Baby Sent to Shishu Vihar
Police tracked down the biological parents, originally from Assam and residing in Hyderabad, who allegedly sold the baby through clinic agents for a small sum. They too have been arrested under baby-selling charges. The child has since been handed over to government childcare services at Shishu Vihar, as per legal protocol.
Clinic Sealed; Fake Documents and Medical Equipment Seized
During the investigation, the clinic in Gopalapuram was sealed with the assistance of the Medical and Health Department. Authorities seized forged documents, digital records, and medical equipment, revealing the extent of malpractice. The fertility center had previously lost its registration but continued operations by illegally using the name of another certified doctor on official letterheads.
Police Deny Rumors of Child Having Cancer or IVF Fraud
Refuting certain media reports, DCP Rashmi Perumal clarified that there is no evidence the child had cancer or that another man’s sperm was used for IVF. “This is a case of baby-selling under the guise of surrogacy. The DNA mismatch is clear,” she said.
Previous Cases and Ongoing Investigation
Police have confirmed that over 10 prior cases related to similar fraudulent activities by the same group were registered in multiple stations across Andhra Pradesh. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are underway against all those involved in the racket.
