Police Arrest Former Maharashtra IMA President In Alleged PCPNDT Act Violation Case

A major medical and legal controversy has emerged in Maharashtra following the arrest of the former state president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in connection with an alleged illegal sex determination and abortion racket. The accused, Dr Ravindra Kute, was arrested in Rahata and has been remanded in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities say the case involves serious violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

According to police officials, the arrest came after a detailed probe into an alleged network operating across Ahilyanagar and Pune districts. The racket is suspected to involve doctors, agents, and intermediaries who facilitated illegal sex determination tests and subsequent abortions. Investigators say the operation was highly organised, with individuals coordinating across locations to evade detection under the PCPNDT Act, which strictly prohibits prenatal sex determination in India.

Officials further revealed that Dr Kute is alleged to have performed illegal abortions on multiple women as part of the racket. So far, police have arrested around 12 people in connection with the case, including two doctors, three agents, and relatives of women who were reportedly brought in for unlawful medical procedures. Additional Superintendent of Police (Shrirampur) Somnath Waghchaure and his team led the investigation that uncovered the inter-district network.

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The probe reportedly indicates that the racket was not limited to isolated incidents but involved a structured system spanning Pune and Ahilyanagar. Authorities are now examining financial transactions, communication records, and patient referrals to trace the full extent of the network. Officials have stated that further investigation is underway to identify additional participants and determine whether more medical professionals were involved.

Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (Maharashtra branch) has issued a strong statement distancing itself from the accused, clarifying that it does not protect any member found violating the law. The organisation said legal proceedings will be decided by the courts based on evidence and confirmed that internal disciplinary action has been initiated against Dr Kute in line with its constitution.

The association also stated that it has consistently supported the implementation of the PCPNDT Act in coordination with the Maharashtra Public Health Department and has actively participated in awareness campaigns such as “Beti Bachao.” The arrest has triggered wider discussions in the medical community about ethical accountability and enforcement of laws against sex-selective practices, while police continue to expand their investigation into the alleged racket.

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