Health authorities in Karnal have uncovered an alleged illegal abortion racket in Uttar Pradesh through reverse tracking of a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) case. An FIR has been registered against three individuals, including Dr Arpit from Shamli and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) Iqra and Fatima from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh.
Investigation Triggered by Critical Patient
The investigation began after Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) informed Civil Surgeon Dr Poonam Chaudhary about a critically ill woman, Preeti, a resident of Karnal. Doctors discovered that she had suffered a ruptured uterus and a ureter injury following an alleged illegal abortion performed in Uttar Pradesh. During emergency surgery, parts of the foetus had perforated the uterus and entered the abdominal cavity, making her condition life-threatening.
Three-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
Civil Surgeon Dr Chaudhary swiftly constituted a three-member inquiry committee on June 30, led by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Sheenu Chaudhary, along with Dr Manish Kumar and Dr Neeru. The team visited the medical college, recorded statements from the patient's brother-in-law, Rinku, and reconstructed the sequence of events.
According to the investigation, the family first visited a religious site in Uttar Pradesh on June 25. While returning, they met with an accident, causing injuries to Preeti. She was referred to a hospital in Shamli for an ultrasound. After the examination, Dr Arpit told Rinku that the baby in Preeti's womb was not in good condition and that immediate pregnancy termination was necessary to save the mother's life. She was subsequently referred to a healthcare centre in Kairana, owned by Dr Arpit, where the illegal abortion was performed.
Surprise Inspection and Recovery of Evidence
Based on the family's statements, the inquiry team, accompanied by police, conducted a surprise inspection at the Kairana healthcare centre. Rinku identified two women present there as those who had allegedly assisted in the abortion along with the doctor. During the inspection, the team recovered abortion instruments, medicines used for MTP procedures, and government-supplied medicines meant for free distribution at public health institutions, said Dr Sheenu.
The team informed health authorities in Shamli and reached Dev Hospital. “We got an FIR registered in Karnal and handed over everything found during the raid to the Shamli health authorities for further action,” said Dr Poonam Chaudhary, Civil Surgeon.
Appeal for Public Vigilance
Dr Chaudhary appealed to the public to report illegal abortions and sex-determination tests. “We are tracking each and every pregnancy. This case is a result of tracking such pregnancies,” she said. The authorities are now investigating the wider network involved in the illegal abortion racket.
