Mysuru: During a meeting between Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara, the former emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive examination of the matter, calling for a thorough investigation.
“In a significant development, the Karnataka government has shifted the inquiry into a sex determination and illegal abortion racket to the purview of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This decision follows a meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday, where the move was determined to enhance the investigation’s scope and effectiveness.”
“In a recent development, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has announced that the Karnataka state government has delegated the investigation of a crucial case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The decision was made following a meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara. The Chief Minister stressed the necessity for a meticulous examination of the matter during the discussions.”
“Eleven individuals have been apprehended by the police thus far in connection with an ongoing investigation. The revealed details indicate that the accused orchestrated a highly organized racket, conducting over 250 abortions with systematic precision over the past three months.”
“Reacting to the disclosed information, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao conveyed apprehension regarding the perceived neglect of duty by specific officers. In response, he issued directives for the suspension of Taluk Health Officers Rajeshwari and Ravi, the former serving as the District Health Officer in Mysuru district.”
“Minister Rao conducted a visit to the sugarcane manufacturing unit in Hullenahalli village, Mandya, the site of alleged illegal activities. His inspection extended to Mata Hospital in Mysuru city, associated with illegal abortion incidents. Expressing grave concern, Minister Rao stated, ‘Detection of gender is the worst form of cruelty.’ He underscored the serious nature of the case, advocating for public education on the matter. Minister Rao acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the health department and police in meticulously addressing the situation.”
“The evident lapse in officer responsibility is a matter of concern from the outset. A comprehensive program aimed at implementing stringent measures statewide is in the works. The minister expressed the necessity for severe punishment for those involved, as thousands of abortions have transpired. He emphasized the urgent need for societal change to address the substantial gender ratio gap in the state. The minister underscored the importance of raising awareness, stating that people should be apprehensive about seeking abortions. The call for awareness is particularly crucial in deterring individuals from confirming gender at facilities like the one under investigation.”
“The investigation into the case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with full cooperation pledged by the health department. The minister asserted the imperative need for action against individuals involved in female foeticide, emphasizing the gravity of the matter.”
“Dayananda, offering further insights into the ongoing investigation, revealed that the accused have allegedly carried out 242 illegal abortions of female foetuses within the preceding three months. Notably, the suspects meticulously documented these illicit procedures, reportedly charging fees ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 for each abortion, with an additional ₹5,000 for sex determination services.”
“The commissioner underscored the breach of guidelines pertaining to ultrasound scanning machines, stressing that such devices should be operated exclusively by registered doctors with proper permissions. He announced that the police are actively probing any potential involvement of officials in granting permission for the accused to use these machines. The incident unfolded on October 15 during a routine vehicle check by the Byappanahalli police, who observed suspicious behavior from a car. The subsequent pursuit and apprehension of the suspects revealed the magnitude of the illicit operations.”
