PCPNDTAct – Four Arrested After Illegal Gender Testing Network Exposed in Chittoor
PCPNDTAct – Authorities in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district have uncovered an unlawful prenatal gender identification operation, leading to the arrest of four individuals accused of conducting prohibited sex determination tests on pregnant women. During the operation, officials also seized a scanning machine believed to have been used in the illegal activities.
Raid Conducted Following Increased Surveillance
The action was carried out as part of intensified efforts by district police to enforce provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits the misuse of diagnostic technology for determining the sex of unborn children. Acting on specific instructions from the district police leadership, authorities increased monitoring of suspected violations across the region.
A coordinated raid took place on May 30 at a partially constructed building located near Chandrasekharapuram village under the Ragimanupenta panchayat in Bangarupalyam mandal. The operation involved local police officers and Health Department personnel working under senior supervision.
Pregnant Women Allegedly Brought From Neighboring States
Investigators found evidence suggesting that pregnant women had been transported from nearby states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to undergo illegal gender identification procedures. Officials stated that the site was being used as a temporary facility to conduct the tests away from public attention.
While authorities moved in, one suspect reportedly managed to flee the location. Several others present at the site were detained and later questioned as part of the investigation.
Accused Allegedly Charged Fees for Unauthorized Services
According to police findings, the individuals involved allegedly collected around Rs 10,000 from each woman seeking the service. During questioning, the accused are said to have admitted that they falsely represented the facility as an authorised scanning centre in order to attract clients.
Investigators believe the operation had been functioning for some time and may have targeted vulnerable families seeking information about the gender of unborn children, despite strict legal restrictions.
Statements Recorded From Identified Victims
As part of the inquiry, officials identified 14 women who are believed to have undergone the illegal procedures. Their statements have been recorded and are expected to play an important role in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities emphasized that the PCPNDT Act was enacted to prevent gender-based discrimination and to protect the rights of girl children. Officials reiterated that strict action would continue against individuals or groups found violating the law.
Four Arrested, Two Suspects Still Missing
Police identified the arrested individuals as B. Padmavathi, also known as Padma, from Mittur; V. Jyothi from Chittoor; S. Jyothish from Cheekurupalli village; and N. Roman Kumar from Chandrasekharapuram village.
Meanwhile, two additional suspects, identified as B. Sudhakar Reddy and Nagaraju, are yet to be apprehended. Investigators allege that both played a role in contacting pregnant women and facilitating their access to the illegal testing network. Search operations are continuing to trace their whereabouts.
Officials have indicated that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the racket and identify any additional individuals connected to the operation.