Bengaluru: In a major breakthrough against female foeticide, illegal sex determination, and inter-state abortion rackets, the Karnataka Health Department has successfully conducted a secret decoy operation in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, unearthing a shocking case where a woman from Malavalli, Mandya, was taken across the border for an illegal abortion.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao lauded the officials for their vigilance, stressing that the government will pursue stern action against anyone involved in female foeticide, whether in Karnataka or outside. “Female foeticide is a social evil. Society must wake up, and together we must eliminate this menace. The government will ensure strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act,” he said.
How the Racket Was Exposed
According to the Health Department, a 30-year-old woman from Banduru village, Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, already mother of three daughters, was found to be five months pregnant. During a routine health visit on September 2, ASHA workers noticed her weak condition. On questioning, she revealed that she had undergone an illegal prenatal sex determination test, which confirmed she was carrying another girl child.“
The woman admitted that through an agent she was offered abortion services in Andhra Pradesh for ₹20,000. On September 3, medical officers confirmed her testimony and alerted senior officials. Following this, Karnataka’s PCPNDT State Nodal Officer Dr. Vivek Dorai coordinated with Dr. K.V.N.S. Anil Kumar, Andhra Pradesh PCPNDT Nodal Officer, to plan a joint secret operation.
The Decoy Operation in Kurnool
On September 21, 2025, officials from both states launched a decoy operation at Basha Nursing Home in Kodumuru taluk, Kurnool district. The pregnant woman and her husband were used as decoy patients, carrying marked currency notes totaling ₹9,000.
- The agent, identified as Seethamma w/o Nenavath Gopal Nayak, escorted the woman for an ultrasound scan, confirming the foetus was female.
- She collected ₹7,500 from the couple, of which ₹2,000 was paid at a medical store and ₹5,500 kept for herself.
- Officials later verified the currency numbers, proving the illegal transaction.
- Seethamma also revealed that abortions were carried out by an unqualified RMP doctor, “Dr. Baby,” in Guntakal, and shared a phone contact (99852 92342).
Legal Action and Minister’s Warning
The case details and evidence were formally handed over to Andhra Pradesh authorities for further investigation and prosecution under the PCPNDT Act. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao praised the inter-state coordination and warned agents and clinics that the department would hunt down female foeticide networks, no matter where they operate.
“This is not just about Karnataka—it is about protecting the girl child everywhere. Society must change its mindset. Strict action will be taken, and awareness campaigns will continue until female foeticide is eradicated,” Rao emphasized.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka woman taken to Andhra Pradesh for illegal abortion.
- Health Department decoy operation exposed racket in Kurnool.
- Agent Seethamma arrested; links to unqualified RMP doctor revealed.
- Minister Gundu Rao vows zero tolerance on female foeticide.
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