Maharashtra’s "Illegal Egg Extraction" Racket Exposed: Multi-City Network Busted

A shocking multi-city racket involving the illegal extraction and sale of human eggs was exposed across Maharashtra, primarily centered in Thane, Badlapur, and Nashik. The racket targeted economically vulnerable women, luring them with monetary incentives of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per cycle, only to subject them to dangerous medical procedures that far exceeded legal limits.

Key Case Details (As of March 20, 2026):

• The Bust: The investigation began in late February 2026 after a victim tipped off medical officials in Thane. Initial raids in Badlapur and Ulhasnagar led to the arrest of three women who were allegedly acting as agents.

• The Mastermind: On March 4, 2026, police arrested Dr. Amol Patil, the director of the Malti IVF Centre in Nashik, identified as the kingpin. His wife, Dr. Vandana Patil, remains at large as of mid-March.

• The Operation: Agents allegedly lured women and administered hormonal injections at residential premises to stimulate egg production. Once ready, the women were taken to unauthorized facilities where eggs were surgically extracted and sold to wealthy clients for lakhs of rupees.

• Legal Violations: Under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, a woman can donate eggs only once in her lifetime. However, investigators found victims who had been forced to "donate" 8 to 10 times using fake Aadhaar cards and multiple identities.

Government and Legislative Response

The matter reached the Maharashtra Legislative Council, where BJP MLC Chitra Wagh and Minister Yogesh Kadam termed the situation "extremely serious."

• Immediate Action: The Nashik Municipal Corporation issued notices to multiple IVF centers, and the Malti IVF Centre has been sealed.

• License Cancellation: Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has directed the Indian Medical Council to initiate proceedings to cancel the registrations of the accused doctors permanently.

• Interstate Links: Police suspect the racket has roots in Telangana and Karnataka, suggesting a massive trafficking corridor for human reproductive cells.

Health Risks to Victims

Medical experts warn that repeated hormonal stimulation without follow-up care can lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), kidney failure, and permanent infertility. Police have identified at least 20 victims so far, but the number is expected to rise.

Source / Resource:

Reports based on Thane Police (Cyber & Crime) Briefings, Maharashtra Legislative Council Proceedings (March 2026), and Medical Dialogues Health News.