Belagavi Police Uncover Illegal Abortion Racket in Hukkeri Taluk, Arrest Contract Nurse
In a significant crackdown, Belagavi police, in close coordination with health department officials, have exposed another alleged illegal abortion racket, this time in Hukkeri taluk. This development follows a similar bust in Kittur nearly one-and-a-half years ago, highlighting ongoing concerns about unlawful medical practices in the region.
Joint Raid Leads to Seizure and Arrest
A joint team recently conducted a raid on a clinic operating from a residential house in Gumchinmaradi village, located within Hukkeri taluk. During the operation, authorities seized various medical equipment and medicines that were allegedly being used for conducting illegal abortions. The accused, identified as Razia Tanveer Ahmed Pathan, a native of Gokak and a resident of Gumchinmaradi, was arrested on the spot.
According to police sources, Razia had been serving as a contract-based staff nurse at the primary health centre (PHC) in Paschapur for the past 13 years under the National Health Mission. It is alleged that she set up a small, clandestine clinic within a room of her own house to carry out these unlawful procedures.
The raid was executed by the health department's Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) and Dr. Bhushan Bannuri, the medical officer of Badakundri PHC, alongside police personnel. Following her arrest, Razia was produced before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings.
Minor's Statement Triggers Investigation
The illegal abortion racket came to light during the investigation of a separate and deeply troubling case. On January 2, a complaint was filed by the family of a 15-year-old girl at the Yamakanmaradi police station, accusing a 21-year-old youth of alleged sexual assault. Police acted swiftly, arresting the youth and remanding him to judicial custody.
During the subsequent inquiry, the minor revealed that she had become pregnant as a result of the assault and had undergone an abortion at a clinic in Gumchinmaradi. She provided crucial information by identifying the specific location where the procedure was allegedly performed. Based on her detailed statement, police and health department officials launched the raid that led to the bust.
Confirming the arrests, Yamakanmaradi inspector Javed Mushapuri stated that both the alleged rapist and the staff nurse have been taken into custody in strict accordance with legal provisions. This case underscores the interconnected nature of criminal activities and the importance of thorough investigative work.
Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns
This is not the first such incident in the Belagavi region. In June 2024, police, along with officials from the health and revenue departments, busted a similar illegal abortion racket in Kittur town. That operation reportedly uncovered skeletal remains of three foetuses buried on the premises of a clinic run by an unqualified practitioner, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and public safety.
The recurrence of such rackets points to systemic issues that require urgent attention from authorities. It highlights the need for:
- Enhanced monitoring of medical facilities and personnel.
- Stricter enforcement of laws governing reproductive health services.
- Increased public awareness campaigns to educate communities about legal and safe healthcare options.
As investigations continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals, particularly minors, and the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding public health and justice.
