Maharashtra FDA Seizes Illegal Abortion Kits, Raids Clinics

Authorities in Maharashtra have successfully busted a significant racket engaged in the illicit purchase and sale of medical abortion kits. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acting on intelligence, conducted operations in the Nagpur and Solapur districts. These actions resulted in the filing of cases against eight individuals, notably including directors associated with the online marketplace IndiaMART.

During coordinated raids and surprise inspections, officials uncovered and seized substantial quantities of unauthorised MTP kits, alongside other medicines. In Nagpur, a clinic was found to be storing medicines for clandestine sale, with labels deliberately removed or concealed. Police subsequently apprehended two individuals involved in the supply chain, seizing 50 MTP kits. Charges were filed against a doctor and three others under relevant legal provisions.

Similarly, in Solapur, a raid on a residence revealed an unauthorised stock of abortion medicines being sold via the IndiaMART portal. This stock, valued at Rs 9,532, had been sourced from outside the state. The FDA confirmed that the investigation pointed to the online portal's involvement. Cases were registered against IndiaMART's directors and three others, with ongoing investigations into the matter.