Special team to probe commercial surrogacy case

A day after allegations were levelled against a city-based private hospital of indulging in illegal commercial surrogacy, against the guidelines prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Police Commissioner T. Yoganand formed a team to probe into the charges, based on specific instructions from DGP M. Malakondaiah.

Confirming this to The Hindu, ACP (East) A. Narasimha Murthy on Thursday said that a team comprising police officers, DM&HO, KGH Superintendent and Women & Child Welfare members would probe into the issue.

Meanwhile, Padmasri Hospital MD Dr. Padmasri on Thursday clarified that the allegations were baseless and said that it was a tactics by the family members of a woman to extort money and to defame the hospital.

“On March 22, a couple, along with the woman, who is now levelling allegations, approached us for surrogacy. They entered into a legal agreement after counselling . The woman agreed to deliver the baby,” she said, adding that the woman even took medicines after inserting the embryo. “Why did she take medicines if she was not interested?” she asked.

‘Ready for legal battle’

Dr. Padmasri said that the women organisations did not even approach her before taking up the agitation and they damaged the property of the hospital. “The hospital has all legal documents and evidence.We are ready for a legal battle,” she said.

It may be recalled that the family members of a dalit woman along with a few women rights organisations on Wednesday agitated before the hospitals alleging illegal commercial surrogacy without her knowledge.