Punjab busts illegal sex determination racket in Patiala; Ultrasound machine seized, FIR registered
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), June 24, 2026: Reiterating the Punjab Government's zero-tolerance policy against female foeticide and illegal sex determination, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Wednesday announced strict action under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act following a successful decoy operation in Patiala.
Addressing a press conference at the District Administrative Complex, Patiala, the Minister said the operation was conducted on June 12, 2026, by the PCPNDT team under the leadership of the District Appropriate Authority-cum-Civil Surgeon, Patiala, in coordination with the Police Department. The operation was launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal sex determination activities.
Dr. Balbir Singh said the raid yielded prima facie evidence of violations of the PCPNDT Act. A portable ultrasound machine and other incriminating material were recovered during the operation.
Following the action, an FIR has been registered at Kotwali Police Station, Patiala, and a detailed investigation is underway.
The Minister informed that Meena Rani, a resident of village Chaura, and Jarnail Singh, a resident of village Swajpur, both in Patiala district, have been named as accused in the case. He added that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Dr. Balbir Singh lauded the efforts of the District Administration, Police Department, Civil Surgeon Dr. Shelly Jaitley, and the PCPNDT enforcement team for carrying out the operation successfully.
Emphasising the government's commitment to protecting the girl child, the Minister said no individual involved in illegal sex determination or female foeticide would be spared. He warned that strict action would be taken against offenders under the PCPNDT Act and other applicable laws.
He also appealed to healthcare workers, community organisations and the public to cooperate with the government by reporting any information related to such illegal activities.
"Ensuring the safety, dignity and equality of girls is a collective responsibility. The Punjab Government remains fully committed to improving the child sex ratio and eliminating practices that discriminate against the girl child," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, SP City Palwinder Cheema and Civil Surgeon Dr. Shelly Jaitley were also present during the press conference.