A doctor in Kurukshetra, accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old minor girl at the LNJP Civil Hospital, was produced before a court on Monday and sent to police remand for two days. The Kurukshetra police confirmed that Dr. Shailendra Kumar was taken to the outpatient department (OPD) room at the civil hospital, where the alleged assault took place, to recreate the scene as part of the investigation.
Background of the Case
Dr. Shailendra Kumar had retired from the Civil Hospital in Kaithal but was re-engaged as a consultant at the LNJP Civil Hospital in Kurukshetra. During his service, he had also worked at the Civil Hospital in Kurukshetra. The alleged incident occurred on May 29, when the complainant, a resident of Kurukshetra, visited the hospital with his daughter to obtain medicine. Both were admitted to different wards, and the girl later told her father that the doctor had sexually assaulted her.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following the complaint, a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered at the KUK Police Station. The Kurukshetra police spokesman stated that the accused doctor was arrested and taken to the hospital for recreation of the scene. The Station House Officer (SHO) of KUK Police Station, Surinder Sidhu, said that the father's complaint detailed how the doctor touched the minor's private parts and sexually assaulted her. He also noted that there were previous complaints against the doctor, and if any staff member attempted to cover up the matter, appropriate action would be taken.
Official Reactions
The Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Dr. Sumita Misra, terminated the services of the consultant doctor after the incident came to light. Meanwhile, the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) Chairperson, Renu Bhatia, expressed shock over the incident and stated that the commission has taken cognizance. She has sent a letter to Dr. Misra requesting a detailed investigation and an action-taken report. Bhatia emphasized that the accused doctor had faced similar allegations in the past and questioned why he was re-engaged by the department. She called for action against officials who support such individuals and re-engage them after retirement.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are continuing their investigation into the matter. SHO Sidhu confirmed that the accused doctor was arrested and taken to the hospital for recreation of the scene. He added that if any other staff member is found to have helped in hushing up the incident, they will also face legal consequences. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of patients in government hospitals.
