Surrogacy scam: Victims include NRI couples; more victims lodge complaints

Police have filed more FIRs in the IVF scam linked to Universal Srushti Fertility Center in Hyderabad. Victims, including NRIs, allege fraud and extortion during fake surrogacy procedures. Police suspect a wider racket and ongoing investigations continue

Hyderabad: The Gopalpuram police, who have intensified the investigation into the alleged surrogacy and IVF scam linked to the Universal Srushti Fertility Center, have found that there are several victims of the scam, including NRI couples.

The police have registered four more FIRs following fresh complaints from victims who alleged the center’s management of fraud, medical malpractice, and financial extortion.

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According to police sources, the prime suspect, Dr Namratha, the fertility manager at the center, along with associates Dr Sadanandam, Chenna Rao, Archana, and Surekha, allegedly cheated a couple from Nalgonda district to the tune of Rs 44 lakh under the pretext of facilitating a surrogacy procedure.

In another complaint, a Hyderabad-based woman alleged that Namratha had administered hormone injections in the name of surrogacy and extorted huge money through one Dr Vidyulatha, Kalyani, Seshagiri, and Srinivasa Reddy, the staff members.

Additional complaints also highlight the suspects’ reach beyond domestic borders, with NRI victims reportedly duped of Rs 25 lakh. The scam victims have submitted their medical reports and transaction details as evidence to the investigation officials, strengthening the case for legal action.

Police authorities suspect a larger organised racket exploiting vulnerable couples under the guise of assisted reproductive treatments. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests likely as the police unravel the network behind the fertility center scam.