Prayagraj Woman Files FIR Against Neurosurgeon Alleging Inappropriate Touching During Examination
In a serious development in Prayagraj, a woman has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a neurosurgeon practicing in the Civil Lines area. The complaint alleges inappropriate touching and professional misconduct during a medical examination conducted on Wednesday night. Police officials confirmed the registration of the case on Thursday, bringing the matter under formal legal scrutiny.
Detailed Allegations and Legal Framework
The Civil Lines police have registered the case against Dr. Kartikeya Sharma under specific provisions of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges invoked include Section 74, which pertains to assault with intent to outrage a woman's modesty, Section 76 concerning compelling a woman to disrobe, and Section 127(2) related to wrongful confinement.
According to the detailed complaint, the woman visited the doctor's clinic around 10 PM on Wednesday accompanied by her brother. After her brother returned home, she remained for her scheduled appointment. The woman alleges that upon entering the doctor's cabin, Dr. Sharma asked other patients present to leave, subsequently shutting both doors of the cabin.
"She alleged that during the examination, the doctor engaged in inappropriate touching and misconduct," police officials stated, summarizing the core of the complaint. The woman further claimed that the doctor asked her to remove some of her clothes, which she complied with, before allegedly molesting her. When he then demanded she remove all her clothes, she refused further treatment, got dressed, and immediately left the cabin.
Doctor's Vehement Denial and Counter-Allegations
Dr. Kartikeya Sharma has categorically denied all charges, presenting a starkly different version of events. He stated that the woman had been under his medical care for the past three to four months and was even admitted to his hospital in January. "Her treatment was conducted jointly with psychiatrist Dr. Saurabh Tandon during this period," he emphasized, suggesting a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship.
The neurosurgeon described the patient as exhibiting aggressive behavior and suffering from symptoms including tingling sensations, insomnia, and depression. He explained that on Wednesday, she had specifically reported tingling on the left side of her body and requested an examination.
Regarding the examination itself, Dr. Sharma asserted that a female attendant was present at the door throughout the procedure. "The examination involved checking her face and abdomen and was completed within one to one-and-a-half minutes," he claimed. He further pointed to the availability of CCTV footage that he believes will verify his account of the sequence of events.
Dr. Sharma argued that had any improper conduct occurred, the woman would have raised an alarm immediately. He went on to allege ulterior motives behind the complaint, suspecting that "some people involved in extortion rackets may have instigated the woman to level accusations." He also claimed the woman was suffering from psychiatric issues that could lead to making unfounded allegations.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case is now under active investigation by the Civil Lines police. The contrasting narratives presented by the complainant and the accused doctor set the stage for a complex legal process. Investigators are expected to examine all evidence, including potential CCTV footage, medical records, and statements from witnesses like the alleged female attendant and the consulting psychiatrist.
It is important to note that the identity of the woman has been protected in accordance with Supreme Court directives concerning cases related to sexual assault. The legal proceedings will unfold under the framework of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, marking one of the early applications of these new penal provisions in such a sensitive case.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for medical ethics, patient safety protocols, and the legal handling of misconduct allegations within healthcare settings in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
