The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently carried out extensive search operations across nine locations in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. These raids were part of an ongoing investigation into the Srushti Fertility Centre scam, which is deeply linked to Dr. Pachipalli Namratha, also known as Athluri Namratha. During these operations, authorities seized a trove of incriminating documents, including detailed records of properties allegedly acquired through illicit activities.
This comprehensive investigation was initiated following numerous First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged by the Gopalapuram police in Hyderabad. Dr. Namratha faces serious accusations, including fraud, cheating, criminal conspiracy, child trafficking, and operating an unauthorized surrogacy business.
Investigators revealed that Dr. Namratha allegedly exploited the vulnerability of childless couples, enticing them into expensive surrogacy arrangements under the false pretense that their own embryos would be used. Each couple was reportedly charged approximately ₹30 lakh, with half paid via cheque and the remaining half in cash, supposedly for the surrogate mothers. Shockingly, subsequent DNA tests in multiple instances proved that the children provided to these unsuspecting couples had no biological connection to them.
The ED’s probe uncovered a disturbing pattern: impoverished and vulnerable women were recruited by agents, offered modest sums, and coerced into relinquishing their newborns. While these women and the agents received minimal payments, the vast majority of the illicit earnings were reportedly kept by Dr. Namratha, who then funneled these funds into acquiring properties and covering her personal expenditures.
Evidence gathered during the raids suggests that this fraudulent operation had been active for more than a decade. Dr. Namratha allegedly utilized meticulously fabricated surrogacy agreements to disguise these illegal transactions and lend them an air of legitimacy.
The reach of this extensive racket stretched far beyond the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, reportedly encompassing major cities such as Nellore and Kolkata.
In a particularly distressing case, international parents reportedly uncovered the widespread deception after a DNA test conclusively showed that the child they received was not biologically theirs. This revelation led to the denial of the child’s passport, further exposing the fraudulent scheme.
Authorities continue to pursue the investigation vigorously, with more details expected to emerge as the probe progresses.