Hyderabad police investigate illegal egg extraction racket involving 43 women
According to The Hindu, operators allegedly earned about Rs 3 lakh per cycle while recruiting women from economically weaker sections.
Malkajgiri police in Hyderabad are investigating an alleged oocyte extraction racket after 43 women were rescued during simultaneous raids. The investigation is looking into the exploitation of women, the falsification of records, and the involvement of IVF and fertility establishments.
The Hindu reported that women from economically weaker sections were offered between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 for an egg donation cycle. Meanwhile, those running the alleged racket reportedly made an average of approximately Rs 3 lakh per cycle.
Investigators are examining how women from states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra were brought to Hyderabad and housed before undergoing egg retrieval. Police are also checking if these women provided informed consent or if intermediaries allegedly signed documents on their behalf.
The police are currently verifying medical histories with IVF centres and tracing payments made to organisers, recruiters, and intermediaries. Authorities plan to serve notices to the District Medical and Health Officer and search ART and fertility centres.
Eight accused individuals have been remanded to judicial custody in connection with the cases. Some hospitals have informed the police that employees involved in the matter have been removed from their service.