Police bust egg harvesting racket, rescue 43 women in Hyderabad

Police in Hyderabad have rescued 43 women from what investigators describe as an illegal human egg harvesting racket, uncovering an operation that allegedly recruited victims from across the country. The bust marks a significant intervention into the largely unregulated trade in human reproductive materials.

According to preliminary investigations, the accused operated from rented premises in Hyderabad while maintaining links with fertility centres and assisted reproductive technology (ART) banks operating in the city. The recruitment network appears to have cast a wide net, targeting economically vulnerable women from multiple states who were allegedly induced to undergo egg extraction procedures.

The case highlights longstanding concerns about exploitation within India's fertility industry, where inadequate oversight and enforcement have created conditions for unethical practices. Authorities are examining the full scope of the operation, including the role of medical professionals and institutions potentially involved in the scheme.

Police said investigations are ongoing to establish connections between the racket operators and fertility centres, as well as to trace other potential victims. The rescued women are receiving support and medical assistance as authorities work to identify all parties involved in the operation.