Mandya (Karnataka), April 29 (IANS) Police on Wednesday intensified the search for an absconding gynaecologist in Mandya district of Karnataka in connection with an alleged illegal sex determination racket involving minor pregnant girls also.

According to police sources, illegal sex determination tests were allegedly conducted at two diagnostic centres in K.R. Pet town of Mandya district. The centres identified in the case include Naavi Diagnostics Centre and Kushal Diagnostics Centre.

Investigations have revealed that a total of 24 scans were conducted at Naavi Diagnostics Centre, including 19 cases in 2024 and five cases in 2025. At Kushal Diagnostics Centre, seven scans were reportedly carried out.

Police said three persons have already been arrested in connection with the case and have been remanded to judicial custody. The arrested individuals include Dr. Divya Chetana of Divya Maternity Centre in K.R. Pet, Dr. Harshit of Naavi Diagnostic Centre, and Dr. Harish of Kushal Diagnostic Centre.

However, gynaecologist Dr Priyanka remains absconding, and a search operation has been launched to trace her.

In total, 12 separate FIRs have been registered at K.R. Pet and K.R. Pet Rural police stations against 17 accused people.

The accused include a government doctor, a junior health assistant, an ASHA worker, and several private individuals.

The Karnataka Lokayukta has also taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa registered the case based on complaints regarding illegal scanning of minor pregnant girls.

Lokayukta officials reportedly identified the diagnostic centres in K.R. Pet town during preliminary investigations, which indicated violations of the law, including failure to report minors under 18 years of age to the local police and relevant authorities as mandated under the POCSO Act.

Further investigation is underway.

It can be noted that multiple female foeticide rackets have been busted in Karnataka between late 2023 and October 2025, revealing organised networks conducting illegal sex determination and abortions, primarily in the Mysuru and Mandya regions.

Karnataka health authorities and police raided a farmhouse in Hanuganahalli, Mysuru district, busting a racket that charged Rs 25,000–Rs 35,000 for sex determination and abortion in October 2025. Five people were arrested, including a nurse from a local hospital, with ultrasound equipment, medicine, and Rs 3 lakh in cash seized. Four pregnant women were rescued during the raid.

In another development, an inter-state ring operating between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was dismantled in September 2025, following a decoy operation.

–IANS

mka/rad