The Karnataka Police have busted an alleged illegal sex determination racket in Mandya district and arrested three doctors in connection with the matter, the police said, adding that a efforts were underway to nab those absconding in the case, reported the IANS.
According to the news agency, the case was being probed by the Mandya Police which has intensified efforts to trace an absconding gynaecologist linked to the matter, which reportedly involved minor pregnant girls.
According to investigators, unlawful sex determination tests were conducted at two centres.
Police sources said 24 scans were carried out at a diagnostics centre, including 19 cases in 2024 and five in 2025. At Kushal Diagnostics Centre, seven such scans were reportedly conducted.
Arrests made, one absconding
Three individuals have been arrested so far and remanded to judicial custody. Those held include three doctors. However, a gynaecologist remains on the run, with search operations underway to locate her.
Police have registered 12 separate FIRs at K.R. Pet and K.R. Pet Rural police stations against 17 accused persons. Those named include a government doctor, a junior health assistant, an ASHA worker and several private individuals.
Lokayukta steps in
The Karnataka Lokayukta has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa registered the matter following complaints about illegal scans involving minor girls, according to the IANS.
Preliminary findings suggest violations of legal provisions, including failure to report cases involving minors under 18, as required under the POCSO Act.
Officials noted that several female foeticide rackets have been uncovered in Karnataka between late 2023 and October 2025, particularly in Mysuru and Mandya regions.
In one such case in October 2025, authorities raided a farmhouse in Hanuganahalli, Mysuru district, exposing a racket that allegedly charged Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 for illegal sex determination and abortions. Five people were arrested, and four pregnant women were rescued, as per the IANS.
In another instance, an inter-state network operating between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was dismantled in September 2025 following a decoy operation.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify the full extent of the network and take action against all those involved.
(with IANS inputs)