If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines about the Srushti Fertility Center, a shocking case that’s left hundreds of couples heartbroken and furious.
What was supposed to be a journey of hope and joy for people dreaming of parenthood has turned into one of the biggest fertility scams India has ever seen.
Srushti Fertility Scam
The Universal Srushti Fertility Centre, based in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, was a popular clinic that offered IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and surrogacy services.
On the surface, it promised couples struggling with infertility the chance to become parents, a noble mission that, sadly, turned out to be a smokescreen for something deeply unethical.
At the heart of this scandal is Dr. Athaluri Namratha (also known as Pachipala Namratha), who’s now under investigation for allegedly running a fake baby-selling and surrogacy scandal under the guise of fertility treatments.
The Shocking Allegations
Couples reportedly paid anywhere between ₹10 lakh and ₹40 lakh to the clinic, believing they were undergoing legitimate IVF or surrogacy procedures.
Instead, many discovered through DNA tests and police investigations that:
- The babies given to them had no genetic link to either parent.
- Some couples were promised children but never received any.
- Vulnerable women were allegedly exploited as surrogates or egg donors, often without proper consent.
- Fake medical reports, false documentation, and bogus surrogacy agreements were used to cover it all up.
Modus Operandi of The Srushti Fertility Scam
Here is the detail of how the scam was operated:
- Couples approached the clinic for fertility treatment or surrogacy.
- They were assured of “guaranteed success” and asked to pay large sums up front.
- The clinic would then fabricate surrogacy or IVF documents to make it look authentic.
- Babies were allegedly procured through illegal channels, sometimes by exploiting poor women, and then handed over to unsuspecting couples.
- DNA mismatches later exposed the fraud, leading to complaints and police action.
How the Scam Exposed?
- The Telangana Police have arrested over 25 people, including doctors, agents, and clinic staff.
- The main accused, Dr. Namratha, reportedly confessed to running illegal surrogacy operations.
- Investigators revealed that babies were sold for as little as ₹3.5 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh, depending on gender.
- Around 80 couples may have been cheated, though the number could rise as more complaints surface.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also launched money-laundering investigations linked to the scam.
- Several government hospitals and doctors are being probed for alleged collaboration or negligence.
Beyond all the legal drama and headlines, let’s not forget the real victims here: couples who poured their life savings and emotions into what they believed was their only chance at parenthood.
Imagine waiting nine long months for a child, only to find out through a DNA test that the baby isn’t biologically yours.
Or discovering that your joy has come from someone else’s exploitation. The emotional, mental, and financial trauma is beyond words.
Why Does This Scam Matter?
The Srushti case is more than just one clinic’s wrongdoing; it’s a wake-up call for India’s booming fertility industry.
It raises serious questions about:
- The lack of regulation and oversight in fertility and surrogacy clinics.
- The exploitation of poor women as surrogates or donors.
- The commercialization of childbirth, where babies are treated as commodities.
- The ethical loopholes in the system that make such crimes possible.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, was supposed to prevent exactly this kind of misuse, but this scandal shows there’s still a long way to go in terms of enforcement.
What You Can Learn From This?
If you or someone you know is planning fertility treatment, keep these tips in mind:
- Do your homework. Check if the clinic is registered and licensed under the proper laws.
Ask for transparency. - Make sure you understand every step of the process, cost, medical procedure, legal paperwork.
- Verify the doctor’s credentials. Look them up on official medical boards.
- Avoid “guaranteed baby” promises. Fertility success can never be guaranteed. Anyone who says otherwise is likely lying.
- Keep records and receipts. Never pay large amounts in cash without documentation.
- Get independent DNA testing or legal counsel if anything feels off.
Conclusion
Being cautious doesn’t make you paranoid; it makes you smart.
The Srushti Fertility Scam isn’t just another fraud story; it’s a tragic reminder of how human desperation and hope can be manipulated for profit.
For the couples who suffered, justice may still be unfolding. For the rest of us, it’s a lesson in vigilance, transparency, and the importance of strong regulation in sensitive industries like fertility.
At the end of the day, bringing life into the world should be an act of love and science, not deceit and greed.
