Safdarjung Hospital doctor molested by staff member

NEW DELHI: A young doctor at Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi was reportedly molested by a staff member in the early hours of Thursday, police said. The doctor

NEW DELHI: A young doctor at Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi was reportedly molested by a staff member in the early hours of Thursday, police said. The doctor was on a night shift when the crime took place.

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The accused, who was in charge of the duty room at the hospital, has been absconding after the woman brought the matter to the notice of senior hospital authorities. He has been identified as Abhay Kumar. Police said the matter was brought to their notice a day after.

Nupur Prasad, additional deputy commissioner of police ( south), confirmed the crime. He said they had registered a case of molestation against Kumar. “We have formed a team to look into the case. Efforts are on to arrest the accused. Raids are being conducted at his possible hideouts,” she said.

A police officer said the crime occurred at 1.30am when the doctor was resting in her office after visiting patients at the hospital. Kumar, who was in charge of the duty room, entered her office on the pretext of serving her a cup of tea.

“He locked the door from inside and forced himself on the doctor. She fought him off and managed to flee from the room,” said the officer.

The doctor immediately brought the matter to the notice of her senior colleagues, while Kumar escaped from the hospital premises. An internal probe was ordered into the incident and Kumar was suspended, the officer said.

During the probe, the officer said, it was learnt that Kumar had been molesting women staff members. Around six months ago, a female nurse had complained against him to the hospital administration.

The matter, however, was sorted out after Kumar apologised to the woman and the hospital authorities, said sources in police.