Pune: Probe Ordered After Girls in Wakad Tribal Hostel Undergo Pregnancy Tests Without Family Consent

Wakad, 25th September 2025: The tribal welfare department in Pune has ordered an inquiry after it was revealed that girls residing in the Wakad tribal hostel underwent pregnancy tests without informing their families. The tests were reportedly conducted following instructions from the hostel staff, according to Pune District Civil Surgeon Dr. Nagnath Yempalle.

The issue came to light after Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar visited the hostel on Tuesday. Based on her interactions with the girls, it emerged that prenatal diagnostic tests were being performed without parental consent. Following this, Leena Bansod, Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department, instructed a formal investigation. “This is a matter of grave concern, and we have taken serious note. Based on the inquiry report, further action will be taken,” Bansod said.

On September 23, the Women’s Commission posted on X that Chakankar had directed the Women and Child Development and Tribal Development Departments to carry out a thorough investigation. The post added that “action will be taken against hostel authorities and medical officers found guilty in this matter.”

Pradeep Desai, Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Department in Ghodegaon, clarified that neither he nor his team had instructed medical staff to perform pregnancy tests. “We only request the mandatory physical fitness certificates required at the time of admission, which are submitted online. My predecessor had clearly instructed hostel wardens in writing that pregnancy tests are not to be conducted. If such tests are happening, medical officers are acting independently,” Desai said.

He added that the department has formally written to the medical officer of Aundh Government Hospital to verify whether such tests are being conducted, and if so, under whose instructions.

Dr. Nagnath Yempalle explained that junior doctors sometimes follow oral instructions from tribal department staff. “These are new, inexperienced doctors who may not be aware of the government rules. We are a government hospital with a heavy workload. Without clear instructions, there is no reason for a doctor to conduct additional tests, and there is no financial incentive for us to do so,” he said.

The inquiry aims to determine accountability and ensure such procedures are not carried out without proper consent in the future.