A suspected illegal egg retrieval racket has been uncovered in Hyderabad, where financially vulnerable women from different states were allegedly lured with job offers and recruited for commercial egg donation.
The racket came to light after police raided the Ami Nita Girls Hostel in Begumpet on October 30, following a tip-off about suspicious activities at the premises.
During the inspection, officials found 12 women at the hostel and recovered hormonal injections, syringes, medicines and other medical-related material. Investigators suspect that the women were being prepared for egg donation procedures without proper medical supervision.
Women Allegedly Lured With Money
According to police investigations, women from states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were allegedly approached through intermediaries and brought to Hyderabad.
They were reportedly offered between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 for each egg donation cycle. Some women were allegedly promised regular employment before being introduced to the egg donation process.
Investigators are examining allegations of coercion, misleading recruitment, improper medical procedures and exploitation of financially vulnerable women.
Five Fertility Centres Under Scanner
The investigation has brought five Hyderabad-based fertility establishments into focus: Indira IVF Centre, Narmada Fertility Centre, Oasis Fertility Centre, Sadguru ART Centre and Padmaja Fertility Centre.
The Telangana Women's Commission has sought explanations from representatives of these centres regarding alleged violations of regulations governing egg donation. However, their involvement in illegal activities has not yet been established, and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple Arrests as Police Expand Probe
Police have arrested several people allegedly involved in recruiting women, arranging accommodation and coordinating the operation. Amit Sharma and Nikhat Parveen are among those named in connection with the Begumpet hostel case.
Investigators are also examining the role of intermediaries, ART banks, financial transactions and possible violations of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Questions Over Women's Safety and Medical Ethics
The case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of economically vulnerable women and the regulation of fertility services.
The investigation is now focused on establishing whether women were subjected to unauthorised medical procedures, whether proper consent was obtained and whether prescribed donor safety standards were followed.
The alleged racket has brought the issue of illegal commercial egg procurement and women's reproductive rights into the spotlight.