Kolhapur : A state task force has recommended invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against doctors and others involved in repeated and organised illegal sex determination and abortions. The task force was set up to oversee implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act after the Kolhapur police busted a racket run by repeat offenders, including retired govt doctors. MCOCA was invoked against the accused in that case, a first in the state.
Gorhe said the work of district-wise committees as well as authorised health officers in municipal corporations and Zilla Parishads will be reviewed, with action being followed up every week. After the racket uncovered by the Kolhapur police, the task force decided to direct authorities to regularly follow up the crimes to ensure suspects do not tamper with evidence and the network is effectively broken. The task force comprises MLAs Manisha Kayande, Uma Khapre and Sneha Dubey.
It was decided to hold review meetings in Palghar, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik and other locations before the winter session in Nagpur.