Pune, Maharashtra: In a major crackdown on illegal prenatal sex determination practices, Pune Rural Police have arrested a 61-year-old woman doctor in connection with an alleged PCPNDT racket operating in Kedgaon village of Daund taluka. Three other doctors named in the case are currently absconding, while authorities continue an extensive investigation into what is suspected to be a larger network involved in sex determination and sex-selective abortion activities.
Doctor Arrested Under PCPNDT Act
According to police officials, the accused doctor, associated with Parth Hospital at Kedgaon Station, was taken into custody for allegedly violating provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Following her arrest on Wednesday, a Daund court remanded her to two days of police custody for further investigation.
With this development, the total number of accused in the case has increased to six. Three individuals were arrested earlier, while three medical practitioners named in the investigation remain absconding.
Social Media Videos Trigger Investigation
The case came to light in May after videos allegedly depicting illegal sonography procedures surfaced on social media platforms. Acting on a complaint filed by the Health Department on May 19, Yavat Police registered an FIR under various sections of the PCPNDT Act and launched a detailed probe.
Senior Police Inspector Dr Santosh Tasgaonkar of Yavat Police Station stated that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all accused persons connected to the racket.
Investigators Suspect Larger Network
Authorities believe the case may be linked to a wider network involving doctors, middlemen, and healthcare facilities allegedly engaged in illegal prenatal sex determination and sex-selective abortions across Pune district.
The investigation is currently being conducted jointly by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Pune Rural Police, and the Economic Offences Wing.
Crackdown on Hospitals Over PCPNDT and MTP Violations
The arrest forms part of a broader enforcement drive initiated by the Public Health Department against healthcare facilities suspected of violating the PCPNDT Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
During inspections carried out by district-level teams in Daund taluka, officials reportedly identified serious irregularities at a maternity and infertility hospital. Authorities alleged multiple violations related to documentation, record maintenance, and medical procedures under the MTP Act.
Subsequently, another FIR was registered against two medical practitioners accused of conducting illegal abortion procedures. While one of them has been arrested, the other remains absconding.
Hospital Licences Cancelled, Sonography Machine Sealed
Pune District Civil Surgeon and District Appropriate Authority under the PCPNDT Act, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, confirmed that authorities have cancelled both the PCPNDT and MTP licences of Lawangare Hospital. The hospital’s sonography machine has also been sealed as part of the investigation.
In a related action, officials cancelled the MTP licence of another hospital in Uruli Kanchan. The operators of the facility have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with sections of the PCPNDT Act.
Extensive Inspections Across Daund Taluka
As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, health authorities inspected 25 sonography centres, 20 abortion centres, and 19 private nursing homes across Daund taluka.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against all individuals and institutions found involved in illegal sex determination practices and related offences. The investigation remains ongoing, with police working to uncover the full extent of the alleged racket.
