Illegal Abortion Racket Exposed in Surat, Hospital Sealed After Raid

Surat | Gujarat — A shocking illegal pregnancy testing and foeticide racket has been busted once again in Surat’s Varachha area, sending shockwaves through the city’s medical community. Acting on specific intelligence, the Surat District Health Department, along with Varachha police, raided Mamta Multispecialty Hospital and uncovered illegal abortion activities allegedly run by pharmacist Ramgopal Khandelwal — a repeat offender previously arrested in a similar case.

The dramatic raid revealed three pregnant women present at the hospital for abortion procedures, exposing what officials described as a “dangerous and unlawful medical operation.” The hospital has now been sealed, and a case has been registered under the PC & PNDT Act as police teams search for the accused, who fled during the raid.

Chief District Health Officer Dr. Anil Patel led the surprise inspection after receiving confidential information that Khandelwal had resumed illegal activities despite being caught and jailed in 2025 in a similar case involving Shivaay Hospital in the same locality.

“This was not just malpractice — it was a criminal network operating under the cover of healthcare,” Dr. Patel said. “We received precise information from the Health Minister’s office and acted immediately to stop the illegal activities.”

Raid Uncovers Illegal Procedures

Officials raided the first and second floors of the hospital near Labheshwar Crossroads, where they found two female staff members and three pregnant women admitted for abortions. During questioning, a female sanitation worker allegedly confessed that Khandelwal himself used to perform abortion procedures despite not being a qualified doctor.

“The revelations during questioning were deeply disturbing. A pharmacist performing surgeries is a serious threat to patient safety and public health,” an officer involved in the raid said.

Authorities arranged emergency medical care for the women and called an ambulance to shift them to Surat Civil Hospital for further treatment. However, amid the chaos, a 24-year-old pregnant woman from Vyara managed to escape from the premises. The remaining two women have been admitted for medical evaluation and care.

Repeat Offender Rebuilds Network

Investigators say the case highlights a pattern of repeat criminal activity. In 2025, the Health Department had raided Shivaay Multispeciality Hospital in Varachha, where Khandelwal and his associates were arrested for illegal pregnancy testing and abortions. After securing bail, officials allege he reopened operations under a new name — Mamta Multispecialty Hospital — and resumed the same illegal practices.

“This is a classic case of a habitual offender restarting the same crime with a new signboard,” said a senior health official. “We are determined to ensure strict action this time.”

Police have registered an FIR against Khandelwal and launched a manhunt to locate him. Authorities are also investigating whether doctors or other medical professionals were involved in the illegal network.

Legal Action Under PC & PNDT Act

Based on the complaint filed by the Chief District Health Officer, a case has been registered under stringent provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act. The law strictly prohibits sex determination and regulates prenatal diagnostic procedures to prevent female foeticide.

Dr. Patel confirmed that the hospital has been sealed and further investigations are underway. “The illegal activities were immediately stopped and the patients were shifted to Civil Hospital for proper treatment. We will ensure that all those involved face the strictest legal consequences,” he said.

Wider Investigation Begins

Authorities believe the racket may involve a wider network of “white-collar” collaborators in the medical field. Separate police teams have been formed to trace the accused and identify other individuals linked to the operation.