Pune fetal sex determination case: Prime accused’s wife arrested, three denied bail

Representational image. File pic

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the illegal fetal sex determination case in Pune district has arrested Rani Annasaheb Giri, wife of prime accused Annasaheb Giri. The court has remanded her to police custody until September 11, 2026.

SIT chief PI Santosh Tasgaonkar said the arrest followed evidence gathered during the investigation. The case is being investigated by the SIT after orders from the Pune Rural Superintendent of Police.

Wife allegedly linked to illegal activities

Police said the investigation found that Rani Giri was allegedly directly involved in illegal fetal sex determination activities conducted at the residence of the prime accused.

The findings emerged during an investigation conducted on September 8, following which Rani Giri was arrested and produced before the court.

According to a police press release, investigators also found that money allegedly received through the illegal fetal sex determination activities was deposited into Rani Giri's personal bank account. Police further said transactions connected with the alleged offence were carried out through the bank accounts of other accused persons.

Based on the evidence collected, police arrested Rani Giri on September 8. The court subsequently granted her police custody until September 11.

Three accused denied bail

Meanwhile, three accused who had already been arrested in the case - Dr. Sumant Tukaram Shitole, Bapurao Jambale and Sachin Kadam - had approached the Sessions Court in Baramati seeking bail.

During the hearing, investigating officers presented substantial and technical evidence collected during the probe, PI Santosh Tasgaonkar said.

After considering the arguments and evidence placed before it, the court rejected the bail applications of all three accused.

Wanted doctor's anticipatory bail plea rejected

The court had earlier rejected the anticipatory bail application of wanted accused Dr. Mandar Suresh Mali. He had sought protection from arrest in connection with the case.

A case has been registered at Yavat Police Station under Crime Register No. 466/2026 under Sections 68, 91 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other relevant provisions.

The SIT is continuing its investigation into the case, with investigators examining the evidence and possible involvement of other persons. Further arrests or additional evidence could emerge as the probe progresses.

(With inputs from ANI)