Yavatmal/Nanded, Maharashtra, September 23, 2025 — A 17-year-old girl from Maharashtra's Yavatmal district died on Monday morning after a doctor in Pusad allegedly administered an abortion pill despite her being over four months pregnant. The abortion was reportedly carried out without proper medical checks or legal compliance.
The deceased, a Class 12 student, had been sexually assaulted over several months by her tuition teacher, identified by police as 28-year-old Sandesh Gundekar. According to the investigation, the teacher lured the minor with false promises of marriage and repeatedly assaulted her, leading to an unplanned pregnancy.
The survivor’s father, upon learning about the pregnancy, approached a local doctor in Pusad to seek a quick and discreet abortion. Without conducting an ultrasound or following mandatory medical procedures, the doctor allegedly administered an abortion pill on Saturday.
Soon after taking the pill, the teenager began experiencing heavy bleeding and severe pain. Her condition quickly deteriorated, prompting her family to rush her to a nearby medical facility. When local treatment failed, she was transferred to a private hospital in Nanded for advanced care. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to complications early Monday morning.
Doctors confirmed that she was over four and a half months pregnant at the time of the abortion, well beyond the safe limit for medical termination using pills.
Authorities recorded the girl's dying declaration before her death. Following the statement, police arrested Sandesh Gundekar under charges of rape and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police have also launched an investigation into the doctor who administered the abortion pill. The doctor may face charges under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act for conducting an illegal abortion, especially on a minor and without fulfilling medical or legal requirements.
Investigators have collected medical records, prescriptions, and pill samples. They are also verifying whether the clinic was licensed to perform second-trimester abortions and if proper consent procedures were followed.
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for collaboration across sectors to protect vulnerable individuals. Subeesh Hrishikesh, Advocate at the High Court of Kerala, previously connected with MedBound Times, emphasized, “Achieving sexual justice requires collaboration between legal systems, healthcare providers, and society to create a safer, more inclusive world.”
According to the MTP Act in India, abortion beyond 20 weeks requires special approval from a medical board, particularly in cases involving minors or sexual assault. Moreover, abortions must only be conducted by registered medical practitioners in certified healthcare facilities.
Medical experts assert that abortion pills are generally considered safe up to 12 weeks of gestation. Administering such medication beyond that point without ultrasound confirmation or emergency support infrastructure can result in life-threatening complications, including severe bleeding, incomplete abortion, or sepsis.
(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)