Goondas Act Invoked Against PG Doctor for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor at Hospital
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the medical community, a postgraduate student doctor at Thanjavur Government Medical College Hospital has been booked under the stringent Goondas Act for allegedly sexually abusing a minor girl on the hospital premises. The order was issued by District Collector B Priyanka Pankajam on Thursday, marking a decisive step to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the grave allegations.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Accused
According to official sources, the accused has been identified as Dr M Gopinath, aged 35, who hails from Salem district. He is currently pursuing his first year of MCh in surgical gastroenterology at the institution. The alleged abuse occurred on January 15, when Gopinath was attending to a patient. It is reported that he molested a 13-year-old relative of the patient, who was present as an attendant at the time.
Following the incident, the minor girl and her family lodged a formal complaint, leading to the registration of a case at the Thanjavur all women police station. The case was filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, which is specifically designed to address crimes against minors. Dr Gopinath was subsequently arrested, presented before a magistrate, and remanded in judicial custody.
Institutional and Legal Actions Taken
In response to the serious misconduct, Dr S Poovathi, the dean of Thanjavur Government Medical College Hospital, took swift action by suspending the accused doctor from his duties. This move underscores the institution's commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring patient safety.
On Wednesday, in a significant escalation of legal measures, Gopinath was booked under the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, commonly referred to as the Goondas Act. This act allows for preventive detention, which authorities state is crucial for protecting against potential further offences, safeguarding victims and witnesses from intimidation, and ensuring an unimpeded and fair investigation process.
District Collector B Priyanka Pankajam emphasized that invoking the Goondas Act was necessary to prevent any interference in the ongoing probe and to maintain the integrity of the judicial proceedings. The accused is currently lodged at Trichy Central Prison, where he will remain as the investigation progresses.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This case has sparked widespread concern among local residents and medical professionals, highlighting issues of safety and accountability within healthcare settings. The use of the Goondas Act in such a scenario is relatively rare and indicates the severity with which authorities are treating the allegations. It serves as a stern warning against any form of misconduct, especially involving vulnerable individuals like minors.
Legal experts note that the Pocso Act, combined with the Goondas Act, provides a robust framework for addressing sexual offences against children, ensuring that perpetrators face stringent consequences. The community awaits further developments in the case, hoping for justice for the victim and a reinforcement of trust in medical institutions.
