Sonali : Illegal Abortion in Karnataka: Woman Dies, Parents Arrested

A pregnant woman died during an illegal abortion. Her parents were arrested (Representational)

Bagalkot, Karnataka:

Karnataka Police have apprehended the parents of a pregnant woman who tragically lost her life during an unlawful abortion procedure, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The individuals in question, identified as father Sanjay Gowli and mother Sangeetha Gowli, have been charged with allegedly facilitating their daughter’s decision to opt for female foeticide. The distressing incident took place in Mahalingpur town in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district.

The deceased, Sonali, aged 33 and hailing from Sangli in Maharashtra, underwent the abortion at a residence in Mahalingpur upon discovering that she was carrying a female foetus, already being a mother to two daughters. Tragically, Sonali passed away on May 27.

Following her untimely demise, the Sangli police in Maharashtra took into custody seven individuals, including the main accused nurse, Kavitha Baddannavar, who conducted the illegal abortion.

Initial investigations revealed that Sonali had undergone a gender determination scan in Maharashtra and had paid Rs 40,000 to Kavitha for the abortion procedure.

The case has since been transferred to the Mahalingpur police station in Bagalkot district, with reports indicating a previous case against Kavitha in 2022.

Kavitha’s Role and Investigation

Kavitha, employed as a housekeeping staff at a private hospital, was found to be in possession of a scanning device. Authorities are now delving into the possible involvement of influential figures in the alleged racket.

A visit to Kavitha’s residence by Children’s Welfare Committee Member, Shashidhar Kosumbe, alongside law enforcement, highlighted the negligence of District Health and Family Welfare Officer, D.B. Pattanashetty.

“This incident is a stain on any civilised society. The authorities’ oversight of Kavitha’s actions is evident. A detailed report will be forwarded to the government, and the committee will file a separate complaint,” expressed Ms Kosumbe.

(Please note that this article has been published as received, with no alterations made by NDTV staff. It is sourced from a syndicated feed.)