Prayagraj Police Detain Five in Minor Girl's Illegal Ova Extraction Case
In a shocking incident from Prayagraj, the Phaphamau police have taken decisive action by detaining five individuals, including four women, on Friday. The detainees are accused of playing a central role in the kidnapping of a minor girl and the subsequent illegal extraction of her ova. This illicit procedure was allegedly facilitated through the use of forged documents at a local In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) centre, raising serious concerns about medical ethics and legal oversight.
FIR and Investigation Details
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ganganagar) Kuldeep Singh, the case came to light when a resident of Phaphamau filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Phaphamau police station. The FIR specifically named five persons as accused: Palak Hela, her mother Rinki—both residents of Kareli—and others. The complaint detailed the alleged kidnapping of the complainant's 15-year-old daughter and the facilitation of illegal ova extraction.
Following the registration of the FIR under appropriate legal sections on Friday, police launched a thorough investigation. Authorities revealed that the victim's mother had admitted the girl to a one-stop centre on February 3. At this centre, the minor's statement was meticulously recorded before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), providing crucial evidence for the case.
Victim's Account and Alleged Scheme
In her statement, the victim recounted visiting a local IVF centre accompanied by Palak Hela, where the ova extraction procedure was carried out. Police investigations suggest that Palak and her mother allegedly enticed the minor into becoming an IVF donor in exchange for monetary compensation. Once the girl agreed, she was taken to one Seema Bharatiya, who, along with other accomplices, is accused of preparing a series of forged documents.
These falsified papers included a fake Aadhaar card and other records that misrepresented the minor as an adult and married woman. Seema Bharatiya then escorted the victim to a registered agent of the IVF centre, where a counterfeit consent affidavit was allegedly fabricated to bypass legal requirements.
Execution of the Illegal Procedure
On January 20, utilizing these forged documents, the accused allegedly succeeded in having the ova extraction performed at the IVF centre. This act not only violated medical protocols but also exploited the minor's vulnerability, highlighting gaps in the verification processes at such facilities.
After detaining all five prime accused, police are conducting extensive questioning to uncover further details related to the incident. The investigation aims to determine the full extent of the conspiracy, identify any additional perpetrators, and assess potential lapses at the IVF centre that allowed this illegal activity to occur.
Broader Implications and Legal Actions
This case underscores critical issues in the regulation of assisted reproductive technologies and the protection of minors from exploitation. Authorities are likely to pursue stringent legal actions against those involved, with charges potentially including kidnapping, forgery, and violations of medical ethics laws.
As the inquiry progresses, police are expected to scrutinize the IVF centre's role and compliance with legal standards, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The detention of the accused marks a significant step in addressing this grave offense and safeguarding vulnerable individuals in the community.
