What began as a visit to a hospital for treatment of a gastric ulcer allegedly turned into a case of sexual harassment case in Ahmedabad. A 25-year-old woman has accused a doctor of inappropriate conduct during her treatment, including allegedly touching her inappropriately and examining her without gloves and in the absence of a female medical staff member.
The woman, who lives in Vastrapur, had approached a private hospital in Memnagar after suffering from a gastric ulcer. She was treated by Dr Vraj Satishkumar Patel, who is now under arrest following the allegations made by the woman.
The alleged incidents came to light after the woman returned home and told her family what she said had happened during her treatment. With their help, she approached Vastrapur police, following which an FIR was registered against the doctor.
Woman Returned to Hospital After Treatment Did Not Improve Her Condition
According to the complaint, the woman had initially visited Gastro and Liver Hospital for treatment. During the first consultation, Patel allegedly examined her, including conducting a sonography, and prescribed medication.
However, after completing the course of medication, her condition reportedly did not improve.
On the evening of October 1, she returned to the hospital with her family and was admitted for further treatment.
It was during this hospital stay that she allegedly faced the first of the incidents described in the complaint.
At around 8 pm, the doctor allegedly asked her to remove her innerwear and examined her breasts without gloves. The complaint states that no female medical staff member was present during the examination.
Allegations Continued the Following Day
The woman has alleged that the misconduct continued on October 2.
At around 6:30 pm, Patel allegedly took her to Room No. 5, where he reportedly locked the door from inside. According to the complaint, he told her that he needed to examine her abdomen.
The woman alleged that, in the absence of female medical staff, the doctor asked her to remove her undergarments twice and then touched her inappropriately.
She has further alleged that he inserted his fingers into her private parts and anus without wearing gloves. The allegations are now part of the police investigation.
Woman Told Family, Police Registered FIR
After the alleged incidents, the woman reportedly told her family about what she had experienced during her treatment. Her family then accompanied her to Vastrapur police station, where a complaint was registered.
Police arrested Patel on October 4. He was produced before a court and subsequently sent to Central Jail.
Patel, who reportedly resides in Thaltej, has been booked under Sections 64(1) and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as mentioned in the complaint.
Police are now examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents, including the treatment provided to the woman and the events inside the hospital.
The allegations against the doctor remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, with further action depending on the evidence collected by police.
