Sex test machine goes missing in Powai

Investigation carried out by the authorities after the BMC and Lek Laadki Abhiyan, a Satara-based NGO, exposed Saki Naka-based Dr Ivan Rocha’s involvement in sex determination tests, reveal that a sonography machine registered in Powai is missing.

The authorities are now in the process of registering a criminal case against the supplier of the machine and Dr Rocha.

Last month, the NGO along with BMC officials, had caught Dr Rocha, consulting gynaecologist at JP hospital, carrying out sex determination tests in a sting operation. The officials had seized three sonography machines, out of which one is illegal.

Advocate Varsha Deshpande, who runs Lek Laadki Abhiyan, said: “When we asked Dr Rocha, he said the machine has been sent back to the company in Delhi as it had a defect. “

Meanwhile, the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) has sent a notice to the health secretary, and other authorities dealing with implementation of PCPNDT Act to rethink their recent circular which allows a radiologist to practice in only three places.

The association has given the authorities a week’s time after which they will approach Bombay high court.