Jaipur Health Department Cracks Down on Illegal Foetal Sex Determination Network
In a significant enforcement action, the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) cell of the Rajasthan Health Department has successfully busted a major alleged foetal sex determination racket operating in Jaipur. The operation, which involved a meticulously planned decoy mission, led to the arrest of three individuals, including a medical doctor, and the seizure of critical evidence including an illegal portable sonography machine and a vehicle used in the illicit activities.
Decoy Operation Unravels Covert Network
According to official statements from health authorities, the crackdown began after the PCPNDT cell received actionable intelligence under their informer scheme. The information indicated that organized gangs in Jaipur and surrounding districts were actively conducting illegal foetal sex determination tests using portable ultrasound equipment. To verify these claims, a decoy team was deployed, posing as prospective clients seeking the prohibited service.
The decoy team first made contact with Dr. Sher Singh Rajavat, who allegedly agreed to facilitate the illegal test. Dr. Rajavat reportedly directed a pregnant decoy woman to Kuber Health Care located at Kesar Chauraha in Sanganer. At this location, he collected a payment of Rs 80,000 before arranging for her transportation to another site.
Detailed Chain of Illegal Activities
The operation revealed a well-coordinated chain of events designed to evade detection:
- After receiving payment, Dr. Rajavat instructed the decoy woman to accompany co-accused Jagbir (currently absconding) to a predetermined meeting point near Chauradiya Petrol Pump.
- At this location, the primary accused, Hari Kumawat, allegedly met the woman and transported her in his Santro car to Flat No. 16 in Mayur Residency.
- Inside the flat, Kumawat reportedly used a portable sonography machine to conduct the scan and informed the woman that the foetus was female.
- Following this confirmation, the decoy woman immediately alerted the waiting PCPNDT team, which swiftly raided the premises.
During the raid, authorities discovered a third accused, Shila Devi, present at the flat. Preliminary questioning revealed that she had knowledge of Kumawat's regular activities, allegedly disclosing that he frequently brought women to the location for illegal foetal sex determination tests.
Profiles of the Accused and Their Roles
The arrested individuals have been identified with specific details about their backgrounds and alleged involvement:
- Hari Kumawat, 41: A resident of Antela village in Kotputli district, Kumawat is described by officials as a habitual offender with two existing FIRs already registered against him under the PCPNDT Act. Investigators revealed that he studied only up to Class 10 but allegedly charged substantial sums for conducting the illegal tests. Authorities noted he operated with extreme covertness using the portable machine.
- Shila Devi, 50: Hailing from Hanumanpura in Jhunjhunu district, Devi reportedly had limited formal education but was allegedly involved in nursing-related work. Her role in the network involved referring women to Kumawat for the illegal procedures.
- Dr. Sher Singh Rajavat, 48: Associated with Kuber Health Care and residing in Badagaon, Dausa district, Dr. Rajavat is accused of being a key facilitator in the network. Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the medical degree he submitted, as part of ongoing investigations into his professional credentials.
Official Statements and Broader Implications
Additional Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Dr. T. Shubhamangala, emphasized that this action was a direct result of specific inputs received about illegal activities in the region. Meanwhile, PCPNDT Project Director Dr. Rakesh Meena highlighted Kumawat's history of violations, noting his previous encounters with the law under the same legislation.
The seizure of the portable sonography machine and vehicle represents a significant blow to the underground network, as such equipment enables perpetrators to conduct tests in temporary, hard-to-detect locations. The case underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing the PCPNDT Act, which was established to prevent sex-selective abortions and promote gender equality.
Authorities continue their search for the absconding accused, Jagbir, while further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network's operations and identify any additional accomplices or clients involved in the illegal activities.
