Published Jun 13, 2026 | 1:48 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 13, 2026 | 1:48 PM
Illegal foetal sex determination racket in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
Synopsis: According to the police, the operation was launched following credible information that illegal prenatal sex determination tests were being arranged through the hospital. To verify the information, a woman police constable was deployed as a decoy patient and visited the hospital in plain clothes seeking information about gender determination services.
A decoy operation conducted by the Vanasthalipuram police led to the busting of an illegal foetal sex determination racket and the arrest of three persons, including the director of a private hospital, for allegedly facilitating prenatal gender determination tests in violation of the law.
The arrested persons have been identified as Korra Raju, director of Hayagriva Hospital in Vanasthalipuram, receptionist Lokesh, and Vijay Kumar, a laboratory technician associated with Sri Sai Dhanush Clinic in Tukkuguda.
According to the police, the operation was launched following credible information that illegal prenatal sex determination tests were being arranged through the hospital. To verify the information, a woman police constable was deployed as a decoy patient and visited the hospital in plain clothes seeking information about gender determination services.
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During the operation, the hospital director and receptionist allegedly assured the woman that arrangements could be made to reveal the sex of the unborn child. They reportedly referred her to Vijay Kumar, a laboratory technician known to them, who could conduct a scan and disclose whether the foetus was male or female.
Based on the information gathered during the sting operation, police teams accompanied the decoy patient to Sri Sai Dhanush Clinic Laboratory in Tukkuguda. Officials said Vijay Kumar was allegedly found conducting illegal sex determination tests at the facility. He was immediately detained and later arrested.
Following the raid, police arrested all three accused and registered a case against them under the provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits sex selection and disclosure of the sex of an unborn child.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether additional individuals or a larger network were involved in facilitating such illegal activities. Authorities are examining records and other evidence collected during the operation.
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The PCPNDT Act was enacted to curb female foeticide and address gender discrimination by preventing the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex selection. Under the law, revealing the sex of a foetus is a punishable offence except under specific medical circumstances permitted by law.
Police reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone found violating the provisions of the Act. They also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any information related to illegal foetal sex determination tests.
Officials said public cooperation is essential in preventing gender-based discrimination and protecting the rights of the girl child. They appealed to citizens to immediately inform the police about any suspected violations so that prompt action can be taken against offenders.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
