The Mumbai police have made a significant breakthrough in cracking down on illegal surrogacy operations. On Friday, authorities arrested two women at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The women were returning from Bangkok when immigration officers intercepted them.
Airport Interception Leads to Arrests
Immigration officers stopped the two women on Thursday afternoon. They arrived from Bangkok and could not provide satisfactory answers about their foreign visit. This raised immediate suspicion among the officials.
The police identified the arrested individuals as Sunoti Belel, aged 44 from Kalyan, and Seema Vinzarat, aged 29 from Thane. Both women now face serious allegations related to an illegal surrogacy and egg donation network.
Revelations During Questioning
During police interrogation, Seema Vinzarat made startling disclosures. She admitted traveling to Bangkok with Belel for medical tests related to surrogacy and egg donation. Vinzarat confirmed receiving substantial payment for these services.
Vinzarat further revealed her connection to Sangeeta Bagul, Belel's partner who is currently absconding. She stated that Bagul introduced her to the illegal egg donation business about three years ago. Through this connection, Vinzarat allegedly sold her eggs at multiple locations.
The police investigation uncovered that Vinzarat participated in egg donation procedures at a hospital in Andheri, Mumbai. She also underwent similar procedures at clinics in Kenya and Thailand, according to her statements to authorities.
Illegal IVF Centre Operation
The police investigation revealed that Belel and Bagul established an IVF centre in Thane in 2024. This facility allegedly served as the operational base for their illegal activities.
According to police findings, the racket specifically targeted unmarried women. The operators supplied these women as egg donors and surrogate mothers to fertility clinics both in India and abroad. They used forged marriage certificates to falsely present the unmarried women as married individuals.
Legal Violations and Police Action
Commercial surrogacy is strictly prohibited under India's Surrogacy Regulation Act of 2021. The activities uncovered in this case directly violate this legislation.
Following the initial interception at the airport, immigration officials alerted the Sahar police station in Mumbai. Police officers took both women into custody and conducted separate interrogations. The detailed questioning revealed the extent of the illegal operation.
The Mumbai police have registered a formal case against the accused. Authorities are now actively working to trace and arrest Sangeeta Bagul, who remains at large. The investigation continues as police gather more evidence about the network's operations.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in regulating fertility services in India. It demonstrates how some operators exploit legal loopholes and vulnerable women for financial gain. The Mumbai police have emphasized their commitment to cracking down on such illegal activities that violate national laws and ethical standards.
