Shabir Ali
The Jammu Kashmir Police has initiated legal proceedings against a medical practitioner allegedly involved in an extortion scandal linked to falsified pregnancy reports and illegal abortion offers.
The accused, identified under FIR number 24/2024, faces charges of extortion and attempted offense, both classified as cognizable and non-bailable offenses.
Earlier on March 5, authorities sealed the said clinic located in Bemina, Srinagar, allegedly operated by the accused doctor.
Additionally, a high-level committee, led by District Health Officer Dr. Rubina, has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The committee comprises other medical officials, including Zonal Medical Officers Dr. Sami and Dr. Shafqat, along with Dr. Parvaiz.
The victim has already given her statement before the inquiry committee on Friday.
“A lady came to my office after public outcry and requested me to return the prescription, offering Rs 5 lakh, but I refused,” the victim informed the inquiry committee established by the government to investigate the matter.
In her statement, she further said that the accused doctor warned her, saying, “You’re unmarried and you’ll face big problems in the future.”
The victim also informed the committee that she has filed a case with the Srinagar Police.
Officials, quoted by Daily Excelsior, said that so far, the ongoing investigation has not revealed any irregularities or infringements attributed to the said doctor.
“The clinic was sealed as a precautionary measure to initiate the inquiry; however, authorities have yet to substantiate the allegations. The doctor is as a duly registered medical practitioner,” the committee has found.
According to victim, a doctor operating a private clinic in Srinagar and also serving as an Assistant Surgeon in a government-run hospital allegedly exploited unmarried women and girls seeking reproductive health services.
“The lady doctor fabricated positive pregnancy test results and the coerced the patients often young and unmarried into paying exorbitant sums for abortion procedures,” the victims alleged.
One of the victim further alleged that several women had undergone abortions at private clinic.
The victim has also stored audio of recorded phone calls – conversation between her and doctor’s staff — wherein the doctor wants her to return the prescription after victim confronted and refused the doctor’s claim of pregnancy and an offer for abortion.
The victim further alleged that she had never sought a pregnant in the first place, and the pregnancy claims provided by Doctor were entirely falsified.
“Sometimes medical tests can provide incorrect reports. Yes, the pregnancy test was positive but I didn’t demand any money for termination of pregnancy,” the accused doctor said.
She added, “I was aware that the patient is unmarried.”