Sex determination: Noose tightens around Pune doctors

Authorities involved in the investigations of the illegal sex determination case, which unfolded in Sadashiv Peth-Laxmi Road area on Tuesday, have revealed that there was ample evidence for penal action against the two doctors.

Dr Makarand Ranade, a gynaecologist from Sadashiv Peth, and Dr Nina Mathrani, a radiologist from Laxmi Road, are under the scanner for their alleged involvement in sex determination tests carried out in violation of the provisions of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Tests (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.

The state government’s additional director for family planning, MK Ahivale told DNA, “Our investigations are complete and evidence has been collected. Now, it is up to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to file a case as early as possible.”

When contacted, the PMC’s assistant medical officer, Vaishali Jadhav said, “The case is expected to be filed within 4-5 days. The exact course of action will be decided once the draft has been prepared.”

According to the state government’s additional director for health services, Suresh Gupta, the evidence and documents collected against the doctors are sufficient to prosecute the
accused.

According to the PMC’s legal counsel, advocate Milind Salunkhe, the two doctors are accused of violating the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act and the Bombay Nursing Home Registration (BNHR) Act, 1949, besides the PCPNDT Act.
Salunkhe told DNA, “Strong evidence has been collected and maximum conviction can be expected.”