Police probe referral network and suspected female foeticide links after illegal prenatal sex determination operation uncovered.
Pune (Economy India): Police in Maharashtra’s Pune district have busted an alleged illegal sex determination racket and arrested two individuals, including an Ayurvedic practitioner, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over violations of India’s laws against prenatal sex determination.
According to officials, the main accused, who is reportedly educated up to Class 12, allegedly used a portable China-made ultrasound device connected to a mobile application to determine the sex of unborn children. Investigators are now attempting to trace a wider referral network and examine possible links to illegal abortions of female foetuses.
Case Came to Light Through Social Media Video
The investigation began after a video clip from Daund tehsil surfaced on social media, allegedly showing illegal sex determination activities being carried out.
Following the circulation of the video, health authorities initiated an inquiry and subsequently lodged a formal complaint with law enforcement agencies.
Based on the complaint and preliminary findings, police launched an operation that led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of equipment allegedly used in the illegal activity.
Portable Device Used for Illegal Sex Determination
According to investigators, the accused allegedly used a portable ultrasound machine manufactured in China and connected it to a smartphone application, enabling fetal imaging outside a registered medical facility.
Officials said the use of compact and portable technology made the operation difficult to detect and allowed the accused to conduct examinations at different locations.
The police are currently examining how the device was procured, whether similar equipment is being used elsewhere, and if additional individuals were involved in operating the network.
Referral Network Under Scanner
Authorities suspect that the racket may have been functioning through a referral-based system in which pregnant women were directed to the accused through intermediaries.
Investigators are trying to identify:
- Individuals who referred patients.
- Clinics or agents connected to the operation.
- Financial transactions linked to the racket.
- Possible cases involving illegal abortions following sex determination.
Officials indicated that further arrests could be made as the investigation progresses.
Violation of PCPNDT Act
Prenatal sex determination is prohibited in India under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which was enacted to prevent sex-selective abortions and improve the country’s gender balance.
The law bans:
- Disclosure of a foetus’s sex before birth.
- Sex-selection procedures.
- Advertisement of sex determination services.
- Use of diagnostic techniques for non-medical gender identification.
Violations can result in imprisonment, fines, cancellation of medical licenses, and other legal penalties.
Authorities Stress Importance of Vigilance
Officials said the case highlights the need for continued monitoring of diagnostic technologies and stronger enforcement against illegal prenatal sex determination practices.
Health authorities and law enforcement agencies are working together to uncover the full scope of the operation and determine whether similar networks are active in other districts.The investigation remains ongoing.
(Economy India)
