A joint enforcement team under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act busted an alleged prenatal sex determination racket in Bijnor's Noorpur area on Thursday evening. The operation, led by Haryana PCPNDT nodal officer Dr. Devendra Solanki and Bijnor PCPNDT nodal officer Dr. Rajendra Prasad Vishwakarma, resulted in the arrest of Manoj Kumar, 27, who was allegedly operating a portable ultrasound machine to determine the sex of fetuses.
Details of the Raid
The raid was conducted after the Haryana PCPNDT team received information that ultrasound examinations were being performed at different locations in violation of the PCPNDT Act. The team tracked Kumar's activities and coordinated with Bijnor authorities to carry out the operation. During the raid, the portable ultrasound machine was seized and sealed, while the vehicle used to transport the device was impounded.
Modus Operandi
According to officials, Kumar allegedly transported the portable ultrasound machine in a van and brought it to specific locations only after receiving clients. Women from Haryana reportedly approached Kumar for prenatal sex determination tests, which led the Haryana team to monitor his movements and ultimately apprehend him.
Previous Offenses
Officials revealed that Kumar had been caught twice before by teams from Haryana in similar cases but had secured bail each time. Authorities are now investigating whether he resumed the alleged operation after obtaining bail. During questioning, Kumar claimed he had purchased the machine in 2008. However, the equipment bore a manufacturing date of 2015, raising suspicions about the veracity of his statement.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Vishwakarma emphasized that ultrasound machines can only be operated in accordance with prescribed legal provisions and regulatory guidelines. He stated, "Strict action will be taken against any violation of the PCPNDT Act." Authorities are continuing to question the accused to determine the duration of the alleged operation, identify possible accomplices, and assess the extent of the network.
The joint team's swift action underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal prenatal sex determination practices, which contribute to gender imbalance and violate legal and ethical norms.
