India News : A shocking case of illegal foetal sex determination has emerged from the Daund tehsil of Maharashtra’s Pune district, where a man educated only up to Class 12 allegedly operated an unlawful prenatal gender-testing network from a single room.
According to police, the accused charged between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000 for each examination and later referred women to doctors associated with the network. Two people have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
Failed Pharmacy Student Posed as Medical Expert
Investigators said the main accused had once enrolled in a pharmacy course but failed in the first year and discontinued his studies. Despite having no medical degree or professional qualification, he allegedly presented himself as a medical expert and built an organized illegal operation.
Women were reportedly brought to him under the guise of “consultation,” where they were charged for examinations that allegedly claimed to reveal the sex of the foetus.
Chinese Portable Ultrasound Device Seized
One of the most significant findings in the investigation was a portable ultrasound device manufactured in China.
According to police:
- The device was connected to a mobile application.
- It operated through Bluetooth technology.
- The accused allegedly used it to conduct prenatal examinations and claim determination of the foetus’s gender.
Medical experts have stated that using such equipment without authorization, licensing, and medical supervision is illegal and constitutes a violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT Act).
The device has been seized and is undergoing technical examination.
Viral Social Media Video Triggered Investigation
The case came to light after a video allegedly showing illegal sex-determination activities circulated on social media.
Following the viral clip, the health department filed a complaint, prompting police to launch an investigation. As the inquiry progressed, authorities uncovered what they described as a wider network involving multiple individuals.
Accused Admitted Conducting Tests Since 2024
During questioning, the main accused reportedly admitted that he had been carrying out the activity since 2024.
Police identified him as Annasahab Giri, 42.
According to investigators:
- He is not a doctor.
- He studied only up to Class 12.
- He briefly attended a B.Pharmacy course before dropping out.
- He allegedly conducted between 30 and 50 examinations every month.
Authorities are still investigating how many of these cases involved actual sex determination and whether further illegal procedures followed.
Network Under Investigation
Police said the operation involved a referral system through which women seeking abortions were allegedly sent to other doctors connected to the network.
A BAMS doctor, Atul Jadhav, has also been arrested. Two other doctors are reportedly absconding.
Investigators are additionally seeking custody of Narendra Thakare, who is alleged to have supplied the ultrasound machine.
Authorities Probe Wider Involvement
According to Sandeep Singh Gill, preliminary findings suggest that the accused conducted 30–50 examinations per month.
Police are now investigating the involvement of other doctors, middlemen, and individuals who may have participated in the alleged racket. The probe remains ongoing.
