Hyderabad: Following the conclusion of the custodial interrogation of Dr A Namratha, the main accused in the Universal Srushti Fertility Centre scam case, the Gopalpuram police arrested eight more individuals on Wednesday. Additionally, two new cases related to the surrogacy and baby trafficking racket were registered.

The total number of arrested individuals has now reached 25, with eight FIRs filed. Investigations have uncovered evidence suggesting that Dr Namratha and her network may have trafficked more babies than previously known. Victims were deceived into believing they would receive their biological child through surrogacy.

"At this point, we are unable to confirm the exact number of victims who are not biologically related to the children they have. Until formal complaints are lodged, we cannot ascertain the full extent. However, our findings indicate the possibility of more victims," a senior investigator informed TOI.

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The new arrests include agents, key staff members of the fertility centre, and the biological parents of an infant. Some agents are from states outside Telangana, such as Maharashtra.

"During the investigation, it was discovered that the prime agent Santoshi operated through various sub-agents. Their role was to target vulnerable pregnant women and provide services like arranging egg donors, surrogate mothers, or even parents willing to sell their unborn babies," sources revealed.

Out of the eight cases filed, three involve allegations of fraud, where patients were assured their biological child through surrogacy. "In a particularly distressing incident, a baby passed away shortly after birth, and the intended parents were never given the child promised to them," officials disclosed.

Authorities are contemplating seeking further custodial interrogation of Dr Namratha and other key suspects by petitioning the court. Dr Namratha's initial five-day custody ended on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, five of the accused, including Dr Namratha, have applied for bail before the court.