The Gurugram Health Department successfully dismantled an illegal fetal sex determination racket operating in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh. Acting on a credible tip-off, a specialized team conducted a coordinated raid, resulting in the arrest of a female mediator and an individual performing unauthorized ultrasounds.
Investigation and Raid Details
Dr. Lokveer Singh, Civil Surgeon of Gurugram, authorized Dr. Devendra Singh Solanki, the designated PCPNDT nodal officer, and Dr. Harish Kumar, a medical officer, to lead the investigation. The probe uncovered that pregnant women from Gurugram and neighboring areas were being transported to Bijnor for illegal fetal sex determination. The female mediator, identified as Renu, charged between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000 for each illegal procedure.
Based on this information, the Health Department assembled a special team and selected a pregnant woman to act as a decoy customer. The mediator Renu demanded Rs 25,000 for the sex determination test. After receiving an advance payment online, the decoy customer was taken from New Delhi to Bijnor.
Execution of the Raid
During the investigation, it was revealed that the sex of the fetus was being determined illegally using a portable ultrasound machine in a private residence in Bijnor. A joint team comprising officials from both the Gurugram and Bijnor health departments raided the premises and apprehended Renu and the ultrasound operator, Manoj Kumar. Further inquiry disclosed that Manoj Kumar lacked the necessary legal qualifications to perform ultrasounds. Local police were summoned to the scene, and both individuals were handed over for legal proceedings.
Official Statement and Commitment
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lokveer Singh emphasized that the health department's campaign against social evils such as fetal sex determination and female foeticide will continue unabated. He asserted that no violator of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act will be spared.
The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illegal practices and protect the rights of women and unborn children. The health department urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to prenatal sex determination.
