In a major crackdown on illegal medical practices, health department officials conducted a surprise raid at a farmhouse in Mysuru's Hootagalli area, exposing a clandestine sex determination racket operating under the guise of legitimate medical services.
The operation led to the arrest of four individuals, including a woman identified as Shilpa, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating the illegal tests. The accused were caught red-handed while conducting prenatal sex determination tests, a practice strictly prohibited under India's Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Sophisticated Operation Uncovered
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the accused had established a sophisticated network that exploited legal loopholes. The farmhouse location was strategically chosen to avoid detection, with the operators maintaining a mobile operation that shifted between different properties to evade authorities.
"The accused had developed an elaborate system to conceal their activities," revealed a senior health department official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They used coded communication and operated through multiple intermediaries to connect with potential clients seeking to determine the gender of their unborn children."
Wider Network Suspected
Authorities suspect the arrested individuals are part of a larger network operating across Karnataka and neighboring states. The investigation has revealed concerning patterns suggesting the racket had been active for several months, potentially affecting numerous cases.
- Mobile operation across multiple locations
- Use of coded communication methods
- Intermediary-based client acquisition
- Exploitation of legal loopholes in medical practice
Legal Consequences and Social Impact
The PCPNDT Act carries severe penalties for those involved in sex determination tests, including imprisonment and substantial fines. The practice has been linked to skewed sex ratios in several Indian states, prompting stricter enforcement measures.
"This case highlights the ongoing challenge in combating illegal sex selection practices despite stringent laws," commented Dr. Priya Sharma, a public health expert. "It underscores the need for continued vigilance and community awareness about the legal and ethical implications of such tests."
The arrested individuals have been remanded to judicial custody while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the network and identify potential co-conspirators.
