Hyderabad police investigate illegal human egg harvesting racket
Women from economically weaker sections were allegedly offered up to Rs 30,000 per egg donation cycle, according to The Hindu.
Malkajgiri police in Hyderabad are investigating an alleged oocyte extraction racket involving the exploitation of women and the falsification of records. The investigation follows the rescue of 43 women during simultaneous raids in the city.
According to The Hindu, women from economically weaker sections were offered between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 for an egg donation cycle. Operators allegedly made an average of about Rs 3 lakh from each cycle.
Investigators are examining how women from states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra were recruited, transported, and accommodated in Hyderabad. Police are also looking into whether the women gave informed consent for the procedures.
Police said that in some cases, intermediaries allegedly completed the signatures of the women on documents. The authorities are now tracing payments and commissions involving organisers, recruiters, and intermediaries.
The investigation is expanding to include medical establishments, with police preparing to serve notices to the District Medical and Health Officer. Searches are also being conducted at ART and fertility centres.
Eight accused individuals have been arrested in connection with the cases and remanded to judicial custody. Some hospitals have informed police that employees involved in the matter have been removed.