A sex determination racket operating in Jaipur has been busted by health authorities, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including a doctor. The operation was carried out by a team enforcing the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, using a decoy patient to expose illegal prenatal sex determination practices.
According to a report by The Times of India, the PCPNDT enforcement team conducted a decoy mission involving a pregnant woman posing as a client to Dr. Sher Singh Rajavat seeking fetal sex determination. Dr. Rajavat took 80000 Rs from her in Kuber health care at Kesar Chauraha in Sanganer and sent her to another co-accused Jagbir to a flat. Another man, Hari Kumawat, the main accused used a portable sonography machine, which to determine the sex of the baby. A lady named Shila Devi was also found in the flat. The woman informed the team, who intervened and apprehended those involved.
Authorities arrested individuals in connection with the racket, including, Dr. Rajavat, Kumawat and Shila Devi.
The operation suggests an organized network involving medical expertise and non-medical facilitators.
Officials from the PCPNDT team confirmed that the raid was part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal prenatal sex determination.
Health department representatives stated that:
The accused were caught red-handed during the decoy operation
Evidence, including equipment and transaction details, was seized
Further investigation is underway to identify additional links
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act is a key Indian legislation enacted to prevent sex selection and female foeticide.
Prohibits sex determination before or after conception
Regulates the use of diagnostic techniques like ultrasound
Bans communication of fetal sex to parents or relatives
Mandates strict registration of ultrasound clinics
Violations can lead to:
Imprisonment
Monetary fines
Suspension or cancellation of medical licenses
Prenatal diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound are medically intended to detect fetal abnormalities and monitor pregnancy. However, misuse for sex determination has led to significant gender imbalance concerns in parts of India.
Strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act remains essential to:
Prevent misuse of medical technology
Protect ethical medical practices
Address gender-based discrimination
The busting of the sex determination racket in Jaipur highlights ongoing enforcement efforts under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. With a doctor and accomplices arrested through a decoy operation, authorities continue to monitor and act against illegal practices involving prenatal diagnostics.
(Rh)