Bardoli, Gujarat — In a shocking revelation, a major illegal fetal sex determination racket has been uncovered in Gujarat, where portable ultrasound machines are being used to conduct pregnancy and gender tests at home for ₹20,000.
According to a sting operation conducted, doctors and agents have created an underground “home-delivery network,” reaching rural households directly with advanced scanning devices — completely bypassing government regulations under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Officials say that such illegal operations not only promote female foeticide but also highlight the misuse of medical technology for profit.
How the Racket Operated
After receiving calls from potential clients, the accused would fix a time and location for the visit. The so-called “doctor” would arrive carrying a portable ultrasound machine, often disguised as a tablet or medical kit, and conduct the examination privately.
The racket offered customers a “guarantee” — if the gender prediction turned out wrong, the amount paid (₹20,000) would be refunded, and an additional ₹5 lakh compensation would be provided.
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Investigators revealed that half the amount had to be paid in advance, and clients were strictly told not to disclose the service to anyone. The network had spread deep into villages across Surat, Bardoli, and other districts, exploiting villagers’ lack of awareness and desperation.
Caught on Camera: The Sting Operation
During a sting, the undercover team contacted the accused and invited him to perform a test on a woman who was not pregnant. The doctor arrived in Bardoli with his portable device, ready to start the scan.
Just as the examination was about to begin, a family elder intervened and stopped the procedure. When confronted, the accused demanded half the payment, claiming he had “already arrived with the equipment” and warned that “such work should not be discussed publicly.”
The investigation also revealed that portable ultrasound machines, despite being approved only for use by licensed health institutions, are now being sold openly on online marketplaces without oversight.
Medical Experts and Authorities React
Dr. Gautam Vyas, a medical professional, said,
“Portable ultrasound machines can only be purchased with permission from the Health Department. However, they are easily available online for lakhs of rupees. The absence of strict monitoring allows such misuse to flourish.”
Experts warn that the device, originally meant for virus research and mobile health screening, is being repurposed for illegal gender detection in homes. The Health Department mandates monthly reporting of machine usage by approved centers, but this is being ignored in rural networks.
Officials suspect that the machines are being imported or purchased online without proper documentation, allowing the trade to grow unchecked.
A Growing Public Health and Legal Concern
Authorities believe that this “portable ultrasound black market” poses a serious ethical and legal challenge, as it enables female foeticide under the guise of medical convenience.
Health officers have called for a crackdown on unlicensed sellers, stricter equipment tracking, and digital verification for every ultrasound conducted in the state.
The investigation underscores how technology intended for improving healthcare is being repurposed for criminal exploitation — turning rural Gujarat into a testing ground for a dangerous and illegal trade.
