Indian American physician in Michigan arrested for performing female genital mutilation on minor girls

Dr. Jumana Nagarwala of Northville is charged for performing FGM on girls between the ages six to eight years old.

Indian American Dr. Jumana Nagarwala was charged on Thursday in the US District Court in Detroit for performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on minor girls, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and making false statements to a federal officer.

According to the news statement by the Justice Department, Nagarwala performed FGM on minors from a medical office in Livonia, Michigan.

“According to the complaint, despite her oath to care for her patients, Dr. Nagarwala is alleged to have performed horrifying acts of brutality on the most vulnerable victims,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco said. “The Department of Justice is committed to stopping female genital mutilation in this country, and will use the full power of the law to ensure that no girls suffer such physical and emotional abuse.”

The American Bazaar accessed the complaint filed by FBI Special Agent Kevin J. Swanson against Nagarwala, on April 12. Swanson mentioned in his criminal complaint that Nagarwala has violated 18 USC 116 (female genital mutilation), 18 USC 2423 (a), (e) (transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and conspiracy), and 18 USC 1001 (making a false statement to a federal agent).

“According to some members of the Community who have spoken out against the practice, the purpose of this cutting is to suppress female sexuality in an attempt to reduce sexual pleasure and promiscuity,” the complaint read. The investigators procured the phone call records of Nagarwala and traced several victims. The complaint mentions instances where the victims were accompanied by their mother.

A 7-year-old girl, during an FBI interview on April 10, 2017, told the investigators that she was brought to Detroit, Michigan, under the pretense of “special” girls’ trip. The victim identified Nagarwala, when the FBI showed her photograph. The victim told officials how she was made to lie down on an examining table while Nagarwala performed the medical process on her. “MN-V-1 [Minnesota Victim One] said that she was told not to talk about the procedure,” the complaint read.  When FBI got the victim medically examined during investigation, the doctor’s confirmed that “MN-V-1’s genital are not normal in appearance.”

The FBI’s Detroit Field Division has asked for public assistance to provide more clues on the illegal practice of FGM or Dr Jumana Nagarwala. Informers can call at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5984).

FGM in US

FGM is a procedure to remove the external parts of female genitalia for religious reasons. This practice is still followed in some parts of African and Asian countries. FGM was legal in the United Stated until 1997. In fact, the cost incurred during the medical procedure was covered by the Blue Cross health insurance, according to a study.

In 1997, the United States Code 116 – Female Genital Mutilation – made FGM performed on minor as an illegal activity. According to the USC 116, “Except as provided in subsection (b), whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”