Former Peon Arrested for Conducting Illegal Fetal Sex Determination Tests in Morena

A former peon masquerading as a doctor was apprehended while performing illegal fetal sex determination tests in Morena, a district in Madhya Pradesh known for its low sex ratio, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The suspect, 30-year-old Sanju Sharma, was arrested during a coordinated raid conducted by health department teams from Gwalior and Morena, alongside social worker Meena Sharma. The operation took place near Gadora Pura on Joura Road in Morena city on Friday.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Padmesh Upadhyay informed reporters that the raid was executed under Morena District Collector Lokesh Jangid's direction following intelligence received. To catch the accused in the act, authorities deployed a decoy patient accompanied by a plainclothes policewoman.

The team discovered Sharma operating a portable ultrasound machine and apprehended him immediately as he began the procedure. A case was subsequently filed at Civil Lines police station, the equipment was confiscated, and the accused was transferred to Morena police for further legal proceedings.

Officials revealed that Sharma, who had been impersonating a medical professional, was actually employed as a peon in the district education department and assigned to Bilgaon Middle School. He had been suspended in November 2024 after his involvement in unlawful activities came to light.

Dr. Praval Pratap Singh from the Gwalior health department disclosed that the accused had been under surveillance for several months. "Approximately six months ago, an individual was apprehended in Jaipur selling a portable ultrasound machine. He possessed a photograph of Sanju Sharma and informed police that Sharma had been conducting illegal fetal sex determination tests. We've been monitoring him since then," he explained.

Dr. Singh added that on May 2, 2025, one Pankaj Tiwari and an ASHA worker were arrested for similar violations. "This represents the second group engaged in such illegal testing, headed by Sanju Sharma," he noted.

Social activist Meena Sharma reported that the accused and his associates performed door-to-door sex determination tests using portable devices, charging between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000 per examination. "When a female fetus is identified, they would demand substantial sums to terminate the pregnancy. Their network extends across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi," she stated.

According to the chief medical and health officer, Morena continues to maintain one of the lowest sex ratios in Madhya Pradesh. "Based on the 2011 census, there were 840 females per 1,000 males in the district, compared to 822 in 2001. The situation remains concerning, with some villages reporting as few as 541 females per 1,000 males," he remarked, adding that the ratio has now improved to 922 females per 1,000 males.

To trap the accused, a decoy woman was sent alongside a policewoman dressed in civilian clothes.