09 May,2026 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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In a major crackdown on an alleged illegal sex determination and abortion racket operating across parts of Maharashtra, police have arrested Ravindra Kute, the former president of the Maharashtra chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), officials said on Saturday, reported PTI.
According to police, Dr Kute was arrested in Rahata on Wednesday following an investigation into a network allegedly involved in conducting illegal prenatal sex determination tests and abortions in violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Officials said the investigation has uncovered links between agents, doctors and families allegedly involved in arranging illegal procedures across Ahilyanagar and Pune districts, reported PTI.
Police officials said the racket allegedly involved multiple individuals coordinating illegal sex determination tests and abortions through an organised network, reported PTI.
During the investigation, authorities allegedly found evidence suggesting that Dr Kute had performed illegal abortions on several women who were brought in through agents connected to the racket.
So far, police have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case, including two doctors, three agents and relatives of women who allegedly underwent illegal procedures.
The operation was led by Additional Superintendent of Police Somnath Waghchaure and his team.
Officials said the investigation revealed that the illegal activities were spread across Pune and Ahilyanagar districts, with further inquiries underway to identify additional individuals involved in the network, reported PTI.
The case is being investigated under provisions of the PCPNDT Act, which prohibits prenatal sex determination and regulates diagnostic techniques to prevent sex-selective abortions, reported PTI.
Authorities have intensified monitoring of illegal sex determination practices in recent years due to concerns over declining gender ratios and organised medical rackets operating covertly in some regions.
Police officials said they are examining medical records, communication details and financial transactions linked to the accused as part of the ongoing investigation.
Further arrests are likely as investigators continue to trace the wider network allegedly involved in arranging illegal medical procedures.
Following the arrest, Indian Medical Association Maharashtra issued a statement clarifying that the organisation does not support or protect any member found violating laws related to sex determination.
In an official statement issued by IMA Maharashtra president Santosh Kulkarni and secretary Vikrant Desai, the association stated that legal proceedings would continue based on evidence gathered by the police and courts, reported PTI.
"IMA Maharashtra State does not support or protect any member or office-bearer involved in violations of the PCPNDT Act," the statement said, reported PTI.
The association also confirmed that internal disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Dr Kute following his arrest.
According to the statement, the Maharashtra branch of the IMA has forwarded a proposal to the national leadership seeking appropriate action against Dr Kute under the organisation's constitutional and disciplinary provisions.
The association said it has consistently worked alongside Maharashtra's Public Health Department to support implementation of the PCPNDT Act and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing female foeticide and gender discrimination.
IMA Maharashtra also highlighted its participation in public awareness initiatives focused on protecting the rights of girl children and discouraging illegal sex determination practices.
The latest arrests have once again drawn attention to the continued challenge of enforcing anti-sex determination laws and monitoring illegal medical practices in parts of the country despite strict legal provisions.
(With inputs from PTI)
