EOW takes over illegal sex determination case, health dept checks 64 pvt clinics in Daund

Pune: Four teams of the health department have inspected around 64 private clinics for illegal sex determination in Daund taluka and arrested three individuals, even as the investigation was transferred to the economic offence wing (EOW) because of the significant financial transactions involved.Pune district civil surgeon Dr Nagnath Yempalle has submitted a report to the state govt. It also mentioned that special police teams were actively looking for two doctors who were at large. Additionally, the gynaecologist of Lavangire Hospital in Daund was also missing. A sonography machine at the said facility was sealed and a case registered over violation of abortion laws.Yempalle said, “There are 346 registered sonography centres in the rural areas of the district. However, such centres do not support any illegal activities of pre-natal sex determination, which is usually done by quacks using portable machines and mobile apps. Once found, illegal centres are sealed immediately. We frequently inspect registered centres and issue notices in case of any irregularities. A report regarding this has been submitted to the state.”He further said, “Four separate teams of the health department were formed to conduct a special inspection drive on June 5 and 6 under the PCPNDT Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. Sixty four private healthcare facilities — 25 sonography centres, 20 abortion centers and 19 nursing homes — in Daund city and taluka were inspected. Certain irregularities were found and notices are being issued to the concerned facilities. Additionally, a case will be registered against a private hospital in Uruli Kanchan for violation of abortion laws.”The department took cognisance of the whole matter after a video regarding the Kedgaon sex-determination racket circulated on social media. Subsequently, Yempalle contacted the district collector and the superintendent of police (Pune Rural) and lodged a complaint at the Yavat police station on May 18. A case was registered on May 20 under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act. Thereafter, prime accused Annasaheb Giri was arrested. During the investigation, Atul Ankush Jadhav was held on May 24 and Narendra Thakre, who supplied the illegal sonography machine, was caught on June 9, read the report.