Serial Offender Arrested for Illegal Sex Determination and Female Foetus Termination in Kallakurichi

Authorities in Tamil Nadu arrested a 37-year-old man and his broker for operating an illegal scan centre in Kallakurichi, performing sex determination tests, and facilitating the termination of female foetuses. The accused, M Ranjith Kumar from Kallakurichi, and his broker, 33-year-old R Vanitha, were caught red-handed during a surprise raid. Both have been remanded in judicial custody.

Investigations revealed that Kumar was a repeat offender who had been arrested on similar charges in Dharmapuri just four months ago. Following his release on bail, Kumar resumed his illicit operations by establishing illegal scan centres in Salem and Kallakurichi. According to Senthil Menon, National Health Mission coordinator for Kallakurichi, the directorate of health and family welfare services received a tip-off about Kumar's activities, leading to his latest apprehension.

Vanitha played a pivotal role as Kumar's broker, sourcing clients from Dharmapuri, Salem, Kallakurichi, Tirupattur, and Krishnagiri districts. She arranged for 12 pregnant women to undergo illegal sex determination tests, with 10 being directed to Kumar's Salem facility and two to the Kallakurichi centre. One of the women at the Kallakurichi centre was a decoy arranged by Dharmapuri health officials to expose Kumar’s operation.

During the raid, officials and police caught Kumar in the act, seized the medical equipment used for scanning, and arrested Vanitha on the spot. Menon confirmed that Kumar has been booked under multiple sections of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, and the BNS Act. “Kumar is a habitual offender. Despite being out on bail recently, he resumed his criminal activities. We will recommend that the district collector invoke the Goondas Act to ensure he cannot continue these heinous crimes,” Menon stated.

This arrest underscores the authorities’ commitment to combating illegal practices that contribute to gender-based discrimination and harm to unborn children. The strict enforcement of laws like the PCPNDT Act is crucial in curbing such offenses.