MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
A doctor and his lab technician have been arrested by Bengaluru police for conducting 900 illegal abortions over three months, charging Rs 30,000 per procedure. Dr. Chandan Ballal and Nisar orchestrated the illicit abortions at Matha Hospital in Mysuru. This marks the 9th arrest in the Karnataka abortion racket case, with authorities pursuing culprits for over two months. The suspects face charges under the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act and IPC Section 312 (causing miscarriage). Earlier, Matha Hospital's manager, Meena, and receptionist, Rizma Khan, were arrested, along with suspects Shivalinge Gowda and Nayan Kumar involved in sex-determination and female foeticide.
The police believe that Dr. Tulsiram from Chennai colluded with Dr. Ballal in initiating the abortion racket. The investigation, ongoing for months, uncovered unregistered scanning machines and medical staff's involvement. Arrested suspects revealed operating an unauthorized ultrasound scan center in Mandya town, with police seizing two scanning machines lacking proper authorization. Dr. Tulasiram, who took up abortion as a side business with Dr. Ballal, sourced the machine from an absconding electronic goods repairer . Authorities also suspect Dr. Ballal's relative, Veeresh, received a commission for referring couples seeking abortions based on the fetus's gender.
