Multiple FIRs Filed as Upa Lokayukta Probes Widespread Violations Across KR Pet Taluk
In a major crackdown on violations of child protection norms and prenatal diagnostic laws, three doctors from private diagnostic centres in KR Pet taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka, have been arrested following an investigation initiated by the Upa Lokayukta.
Authorities confirmed that the accused doctors have been remanded to judicial custody, while a government hospital doctor linked to the मामले remains absconding. Calling the القضية a “heinous crime against society,” Justice Veerappa flagged the seriousness of the मामले, revealing that as many as 12 FIRs have been registered in KR Pet taluk alone. Investigations are also ongoing in six other taluks of Mandya district.
Illegal Sex Determination and Scans on Minors Under Scanner
The case surfaced after allegations emerged that certain private diagnostic centres, along with a government hospital, were allegedly conducting illegal sex determination tests—raising concerns about potential female foeticide.
Acting swiftly, the Upa Lokayukta initiated proceedings on April 16 against officials from multiple taluks, including Nagamangala, Malavalli, Maddur, KR Pet, Pandavapura, and Srirangapatna, as well as the Mandya District Health Officer.
Raids Reveal Shocking Violations in KR Pet
A coordinated inspection drive was carried out by Lokayukta police teams from Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Ramanagara districts. Nine diagnostic centres in KR Pet taluk were raided.
Investigations uncovered alarming irregularities:
- Scans were conducted on pregnant minors below 18 years in at least seven cases
- 84 women aged between 18 and 20 underwent scans without mandatory age proof
- Several cases were not reported to police, violating mandatory legal provisions
Government Doctors Under Scrutiny for Referral Nexus
Officials also found that some government hospital gynaecologists allegedly referred pregnant women to private diagnostic centres instead of higher सरकारी facilities, as required by protocol.
In a serious breach, these referrals were reportedly made using private diagnostic centres’ letterheads, suggesting a possible nexus between public healthcare providers and private entities.
PCPNDT Act Violations and Failure to Report Cases
A private diagnostic centre alone conducted 24 scans on pregnant minors (19 in 2024 and 5 in 2025), in direct violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.
Further, the doctor at the centre failed to inform the police prior to conducting scans on minors, violating mandatory reporting requirements under child protection laws.
Investigation Expands Across Mandya District
Senior officials, including District Health Officer K. Mohan, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Asha P.S., and District Child Protection Officer Rashmi, have been tasked with conducting district-wide inspections.
Authorities have indicated that the probe may widen further as more evidence emerges, with strict action likely against all those found complicit.
This case highlights serious lapses in enforcing laws meant to protect minors and prevent gender-based discrimination, raising urgent questions about oversight in diagnostic practices across the region.
