The Andhra Pradesh government has reinstated three government doctors who were arrested in connection with an alleged illegal surrogacy, baby-trafficking and IVF fraud case linked to Universal Srushti Fertility Centres. The doctors have been reinstated pending departmental inquiry, while the criminal investigation into the alleged network continues and the prime accused, Dr Namratha, remains in judicial custody.
Suspensions Revoked After Arrests
The doctors whose suspensions have been revoked are Dr Vasupalli Ravi, Dr Pulumuru Usha Devi and Dr Arimilli Vidyullatha. They were arrested in July and August 2025 and booked under provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
All three were later released on bail. In May 2026, the Andhra Pradesh government revoked their suspensions under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991. Available information indicates that Dr Vasupalli Ravi has been posted as Professor of Anaesthesiology at the Kidney Research Centre in Palasa, Srikakulam district.
Illegal Surrogacy Network Under Probe
According to investigators, the alleged network lured couples seeking IVF treatment by offering “guaranteed baby” surrogacy packages priced between ₹30 lakh and ₹44 lakh. Instead of facilitating legally permitted surrogacy arrangements, the accused allegedly trafficked infants from economically vulnerable families.
Investigators have also alleged that in some instances, newborn babies stolen from hospitals were illegally sold through the network. The alleged fertility network operated centres in several cities, including Secunderabad, Kondapur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Departmental Inquiry to Continue
At the time of their arrests, Dr Vasupalli Ravi was Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology at Andhra Medical College. Dr Pulumuru Usha Devi was an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the same institution, while Dr Arimilli Vidyullatha was working as a paediatrician at Srikakulam Government Medical College.
Representatives of the government doctors’ association said the reinstatement was carried out in accordance with service rules. The state government has appointed designated officers to conduct the departmental inquiry. The case is being investigated by the Special Investigation Team and the Enforcement Directorate, with probes into the alleged illegal surrogacy network, baby trafficking and related financial transactions still underway.
