In a major crackdown on illegal sex determination practices, Delhi Police has booked a doctor and three others for allegedly running a racket that used a portable ultrasound machine to determine the sex of fetuses. The accused were arrested following a raid conducted by the Crime Branch in the national capital.
The Raid and Arrests
The operation was carried out based on a tip-off that a group was conducting illegal sex determination tests in the Sangam Vihar area. During the raid, the police seized a portable ultrasound machine, a laptop, and several incriminating documents. The four accused have been identified as Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a practicing physician, and three accomplices who assisted in the illegal activity.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that the accused would approach pregnant women and offer to determine the sex of the fetus for a fee ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. They used a portable ultrasound machine, which could be easily transported and hidden. The illegal tests were often conducted in makeshift clinics or even in the homes of the patients.
The racket came to light after a decoy patient approached the group, and the police monitored the transaction. The accused were caught red-handed while conducting the test.
Legal Implications
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, prohibits sex determination and has stringent penalties for violators. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the PCPNDT Act, as well as the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar faces the possibility of losing his medical license if convicted. The police have also launched a probe to find out if the accused were part of a larger network operating in other parts of the city.
Police Statement
Speaking about the operation, a senior police officer said, "We are committed to eradicating the menace of sex determination and female foeticide. This racket was using advanced technology to evade detection. We urge the public to report any such illegal activities."
The officer also highlighted that the use of portable ultrasound machines has made it easier for such rackets to operate discreetly. The police are now working with the health department to track the source of the equipment.
Impact on Society
Illegal sex determination continues to be a serious issue in India, contributing to a skewed sex ratio. According to the latest census data, the child sex ratio in Delhi stands at 867 girls per 1,000 boys, well below the national average. Activists have welcomed the arrests but stressed the need for more stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns.
The case has been registered at the Sangam Vihar police station, and further investigations are underway.
