Chennai, 23 July (H.S.) : The Cuddalore police have unearthed an illegal abortion racket operating out of the SIT Nursing Training Centre in Pudupalayam, Chakrapani Street.

Acting on a tip-off, a medical team led by the District Welfare Joint Director conducted a surprise inspection at the center. During the inspection, authorities discovered that the center's operators, Sivagurunathan (55) and his wife Umamaheshwari (40), were performing abortions on women without proper authorization.

Medical equipment, drugs, and pills used for the procedures were seized from the center. Upon interrogation, the couple revealed the involvement of several accomplices, including Murthy, a pharmaceutical salesman, Veeramani, who runs a similar nursing training center in Virudhachalam, Abhiyal, head nurse of the Karaikadu Government PHC, and Thangam, a pharmacist. All six individuals were arrested, and abortion-related materials were confiscated.

The authorities have recommended the immediate closure of the nursing training center. An investigation is underway to determine if similar illegal activities occurred at the other nursing training center in Virudhachalam.

Reports indicate that a significant number of pregnant women, including school and college students, sought abortions at the facility, with the accused charging varying fees based on the women's backgrounds.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary