In a gruesome expose, it has emerged that a prominent maternity hospital in Rajkot, in Gujarat video graphed female patients and reportedly the footage found its ways on paid channels where perverts enjoyed it as pornography. Worse, over 24 hours after the pregnant women video record scam has been exposed; the police is yet to seal the hospital.
The Gujarat police has begun investigations at the two branches of Payal Maternity Homes in Rajkot. The hospitals set up in 1998 boast of having “successfully” delivered over 37,000 babies besides conducting 21,000 plus surgeries. They boast of a data base of over five lac happy patients.
Most of them would obviously be unhappy now.
So far, six videos of women being inspected privately by the hospital staff have found their way on X (previously Twitter). One particular Telegram channel claims to have 90 such videos of women. Besides Rajkot police, Ahmedabad Cyber Cell has also been roped in to expose this.
The videos were about breast check up, pregnancy progress check up, vaginal infection detection and other similar private medical videos of women.
A top police officer told Vibes of India that each video was reportedly sold for about Rs 1000. “We still are clueless as to since when has this racket been going on,” he said.
The hospital has been functional since 1998 and has always boasted for being very tech savvy. It also offer special Garbh Sanskar. Garbh Sanskar is a traditional Indian practice that includes several prenatal techniques to nourish the physical, mental and spiritual growth of the unborn child.
About six different types of videos including pregnant women being injected, being inspected or their particular issues being discussed were first found on X. A local YouTuber reportedly said he had been forwarded them and he asked police to take action against the culprits. Why did he put these on X instead of directly informing the police is not known.
Sources claim that before these videos emerged on X, they already existed on Telegram, another social media channel. Surprisingly, they were already there on Telegram for everyone to view since about six months. Vibes of India is not revealing the group name to protect the identity of these women.
Vibes of India must clarify that it is not a crime to have CCTV installed in medical premises but they cannot be installed in precarious positions. Also, all patients need to be informed and their consent taken for the same.
Rajkot Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr Parthrajsinh Gohil told Vibes of India that a complaint has been lodged with Ahmedabad Cyber Cell regarding the videos.
Speaking to VOI, Ahmedabad Cyber Cell Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Lavina Sinha confirmed that a team has been sent to Rajkot to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Hardik Makadia explained that the suspect created an online network for distributing the videos. “The accused uploaded seven videos to YouTube and linked them to a Telegram group. Screenshots were shared to attract members who paid a fee to access further content,” he said.
A case has been registered under sections 66E and 67 of the Information Technology Act, which deal with privacy violations and the publication of obscene material.
Currently, the hospital is operational and has not been sealed by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) because this is not a health or hygiene-related incident, a senior journalist confirmed to VOI.
Following the complaint, Rajkot Cyber Crime Police arrived at Payal Hospital to record statements from hospital director Dr Sanjay Desai, medical staff, and administrative personnel. Authorities are investigating the CCTV server’s connectivity, who had access to login credentials, and the reason for installing a camera in the examination room. Police are also examining whether the hospital’s CCTV system was hacked.
State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel acknowledged the leak and stated that a thorough inquiry was underway. “There are technical aspects to consider, including whether the hospital’s CCTV system was hacked. The hospital’s version of events will also be recorded, and the government will decide further action based on the findings,” he said.
Dr Sanjay Desai released a video statement apologising to affected patients. He maintained that in his 28 years of medical practice, he had never intended harm and alleged that antisocial elements had hacked the hospital’s CCTV system. He expressed confidence in the cybercrime teams investigating the case.
Dr Sanjay Desai, a with his wife, Dr Pratixa Desai.
Criticising the government’s response, Gujarat Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker told VOI, “Whenever there is wrongdoing, including paper leaks and drug seizures, a BJP leader or member is involved. In this case, the wife of the hospital’s owner campaigns for BJP. The government must take strict action to set an example with severe punishment for those responsible.”
The incident has drawn strong political reactions. Gujarat AAP spokesperson Dr Karan Barot questioned the necessity of CCTV cameras in sensitive medical areas. “This is a private check-up, and there was no need for CCTV. People of Gujarat must remain vigilant. The online circulation of such content suggests a larger network selling private videos. Other hospitals in Gujarat or even other states could be involved,” he told to VOI.
Dr Bharat Gadhavi, Regional Director of HCG Hospitals Gujarat & Rajasthan, emphasised the importance of safeguarding patient privacy. “Strict action must be taken to protect patient privacy. Guidelines clearly prohibit CCTV cameras in examination areas or patient rooms. One such incident cannot undo years of trust, but it is imperative to ensure such breaches do not happen again,” he said.
Rajkot West BJP MLA Dr Darshita Shah urged police to conduct a detailed investigation. Authorities have determined that three videos were uploaded on December 14, two on December 16, and another two on December 17.
Payal Maternity Home, established in 1998, is a well-known obstetrics and gynaecology centre, now referred to as “Payal Parivar.” It employs six doctors: Dr Sanjay Desai, Dr Pratixa Desai, Dr Amit Akbari, Dr Pallavi Kalewad (Akbari), Dr Govind Bhadarka, and Dr Gautam Gavaniya.
Investigators continue to track those responsible for the leak and are working to implement measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
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