Thane Police Uncover Major Illegal Human Egg Extraction and Sale Racket
In a significant law enforcement operation, Thane police have exposed a disturbing illegal racket involving the stimulation, extraction, and sale of human eggs. Authorities have arrested three women in Badlapur East, revealing what officials describe as systematic exploitation of economically vulnerable women.
Exploitation of Vulnerable Women Uncovered
Initial police investigations have revealed that agents identified women willing to "sell" their eggs for amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. According to a senior police officer, at least 40 women may have been exploited through this illegal operation.
In one particularly alarming case, a donor underwent egg extraction procedures an astonishing 33 times. This flagrantly violates the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, which permits women to donate eggs only once in their lifetime and strictly prohibits financial compensation for such donations.
How the Racket Was Exposed
The illegal operation came to light after one of the exploited women approached the Badlapur primary health centre, complaining that she had not received the payment she was promised. Dr. Jyotsna Sawant, the primary health centre doctor, immediately alerted local police authorities, triggering the investigation that led to the arrests.
Acting on specific intelligence, police conducted a raid at the residence of Sulakshana Gadekar, who is believed to be the mastermind operating the illegal network from her home. During the raid, authorities discovered and seized injections used for stimulating ovulation that were stored on the premises.
Modus Operandi of the Illegal Operation
Investigators claim that Gadekar specifically targeted financially distressed women, luring them with promises of monetary compensation. She allegedly administered ovulation-stimulating injections without proper medical consultation or oversight.
The exploited women then underwent illegal sonography-guided procedures conducted without proper medical authorization. Subsequently, these women were sent to IVF/ART centres where doctors extracted their eggs in operation theatres for eventual sale.
Evidence Collected by Police
Police examination of the accused's mobile phone revealed photographs of injections used in pregnancy-related treatments, images captured during sonography procedures, photos of exploited women, as well as images of forged affidavits and other fabricated documents.
Officers also recovered financial records indicating transactions linked to the alleged racket, providing crucial evidence of the illegal financial operations.
Wider Network Suspected
The police complaint further alleges that Gadekar operated in collusion with individuals associated with sonography centres, IVF/ART centres, suppliers of hormonal injections, and those involved in preparing forged documents. Officials suspect multiple women were repeatedly used as donors, raising serious concerns about physical exploitation and significant health risks to the victims.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Apart from Sulakshana Gadekar (44), police have also arrested Ashwini Chabuskwar (29) and Manjusha Wankhede (46). According to police statements, Gadekar allegedly operated the main racket, while the other two women acted as agents, identifying and bringing women willing to undergo the illegal procedures in exchange for payment.
On Saturday, the three accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to seven days' police custody. Authorities believe that custodial interrogation will help uncover the complete financial trail and identify other members of the network.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Implications
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gore, Zone 3, Thane, stated, "Three teams have been formed for a comprehensive investigation into the case. Further arrests are likely." Police suspect this racket could be part of a wider, possibly national-level network involving illegal fertility-related practices.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of this illegal operation and identify all individuals involved in exploiting vulnerable women for financial gain through prohibited human egg extraction and sale.
