Woman Files Police Complaint After Alleged Sexual Assault in Ahmedabad Hospital ICU
A disturbing incident has come to light in Ahmedabad, where a 29-year-old woman has accused a hospital employee of sexually assaulting her while she was admitted to the intensive care unit. The complaint was formally lodged with the Sabarmati police on Monday, sparking serious concerns about patient safety in medical facilities.
Background of the Victim and the Overdose Incident
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the woman, who has been married for two years, was residing with her parents due to ongoing marital discord with her husband and in-laws. The chain of events began on the night of October 19, when the woman, in a state of distress, consumed multiple sleeping pills in what appears to have been an overdose attempt.
Her parents immediately rushed her to a hospital located in the Sabarmati area of Ahmedabad. Given the severity of her condition, she was promptly admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for urgent medical treatment. Owing to the powerful medication administered, she remained in a semi-conscious state and was confined to her hospital bed.
The Alleged Assault in the Early Hours
The woman's statement to the police details a harrowing experience. In the early hours of October 20, while still under the influence of medication and semi-conscious, she allegedly felt someone molesting her. Startled, she woke up and shouted for help. This immediate reaction reportedly caused the individual, who was standing near her bed, to flee the ICU through a nearby door.
Upon regaining full consciousness, the woman informed other staff members who were on duty at the time and requested them to call her parents. When her parents arrived at the hospital, she narrated the entire traumatic incident to them.
Family's Attempts for Evidence and Hospital's Response
The woman's father, deeply concerned, reportedly asked the hospital authorities to review the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the ICU area to identify the perpetrator. However, the family alleges that this crucial request was ignored by the hospital administration, raising questions about institutional accountability.
Subsequently, the family managed to learn the identity of the hospital staffer who was present in the ward at the time of the alleged incident. This information was later corroborated by the police during their investigation.
Deteriorating Health and Subsequent Treatment
The woman was discharged from the hospital later on October 20. Tragically, her health condition reportedly deteriorated the same night, necessitating her transfer to another medical facility for further and more specialized treatment.
Even after returning home, she continued to suffer from persistent headaches and significant physical discomfort. This compelled her to seek outpatient medical care. To aid in her recovery, both physically and emotionally, she also stayed with relatives for a period of time, as mentioned in the FIR.
Formal Police Complaint and Ongoing Investigation
After her health showed signs of improvement, the woman gathered the courage to formally approach the Sabarmati police station. She lodged a detailed complaint of sexual harassment against the identified hospital staffer. The police have registered the case and an investigation is currently underway to verify the allegations and gather evidence.
This incident highlights critical issues regarding the safety and security of vulnerable patients in healthcare settings, especially in sensitive areas like the ICU. It underscores the need for stringent protocols, proper staff monitoring, and immediate responsiveness from hospital administrations to such serious complaints.
