Recent allegations have emerged regarding a procedural delay leading to another case of female foeticide in Pandavapura taluk, Mandya district. Despite the submission of a report by CID officials investigating the foeticide case a month ago, there was reportedly a delay in filing a complaint in court. This delay allegedly allowed the accused, who were released on bail, to commit the crime again.
The sex-determination racket was initially uncovered at a jaggery-making unit near Hadya, Mandya taluk, six months ago. The network’s operations extended to Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Ramanagar districts. Given the gravity of the situation, the state government entrusted the CID with the case, which submitted its report to the Health Department.
Subsequently, the authority was required to register a private complaint with the local court. While 17 individuals were arrested in connection with the case, they are currently out on bail. However, another case of female foeticide has now been reported at the Health Department quarters in Pandavapura, leading to the arrest of ten individuals. Several of them were allegedly involved in the earlier sex-determination racket.
Naveen Kumar, identified as the prime accused in both cases, reportedly brought pregnant women to a lodge in Pandavapura and provided abortion pills. Concerns have been raised regarding the delay in addressing the former case, which allowed the accused to continue their illegal activities.
The delay has been attributed to administrative issues, including the absence of the Assistant Commissioner, Shivamurthy, who was required to delegate authority to the Health Department before leaving due to the Lok Sabha elections. Until the model code of conduct is lifted, this problem is likely to persist.
Authorities have been urged to take swift action to prevent further instances of female foeticide and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.