Pune Sex Determination Racket Exposed; 12th-Pass Mastermind Operated China-Made Portable Device

Police suspect a wider network involving illegal prenatal sex determination and abortions after uncovering a racket operating in Pune district using a portable ultrasound machine.

A major illegal sex determination racket has been unearthed in Pune district, leading to the arrest of two persons, including a bogus practitioner and a BAMS-qualified doctor. Investigators are now probing a larger referral network that allegedly facilitated prenatal sex determination tests and illegal abortions.

The case came to light after a video purportedly showing an illegal sex determination procedure in Kedgaon village of Daund taluka surfaced on social media. Following a complaint by health authorities, police launched an investigation that exposed the alleged operation.

According to police, the prime accused, Annasaheb Giri, is not a qualified medical practitioner and has studied only up to Class 12. Investigators said he allegedly used a portable ultrasound machine connected to a mobile application through Bluetooth technology to determine the sex of unborn babies.

Police have seized the China-made portable ultrasound machine believed to have been used in the illegal activity.

During questioning, Giri reportedly told investigators that he had been involved in the operation since 2024. Authorities suspect he charged between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000 for conducting sex determination tests before referring women to doctors linked to the network.

A BAMS-qualified doctor, Atul Jadhav from Wagholi, has also been arrested. Two other doctors suspected of involvement are currently absconding. Investigators believe the racket operated through a referral-based system in which women were sent for sex determination tests and subsequently referred for abortions if a female foetus was detected.

Officials suspect that seven to eight doctors may have been connected to the network.

The investigation has also revealed records suggesting that nearly 500 abortions may have been carried out over the last two years. However, police said the exact number will be established only after verification of documentary evidence, medical records and digital communications.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly conducted between 30 and 50 examinations every month. Authorities are now examining mobile data, referral records and financial transactions to determine the full extent of the operation.

Health officials stated that the accused often carried out examinations directly at women’s homes, allowing the racket to operate outside the formal healthcare system and evade scrutiny. Residents have been urged to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.

Police have registered a case under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The investigation is continuing to identify all those involved, trace the referral chain and determine the total number of illegal sex determination tests and abortions allegedly carried out through the network.

Disclaimer: Prenatal sex determination and sex-selective abortion are illegal in India. The case remains under investigation, and findings are based on information released by authorities so far.