J&K doctor arrested, suspended over sexual assault allegations

JAMMU: A doctor posted at sub-district hospital of Banihal in J&K’s Ramban distrct was arrested on Tuesday after a patient accused him of sexual assault in his chamber. The health department later suspended the accused, Dr Girdhari Lal Manhas , a consultant gynaecologist, with immediate effect.

According to police, Nadia Banoo , who is pregnant, had gone for a routine checkup at the hospital. She alleged in her complaint that while examining her, the doctor on duty molested her and touched her in an indecent manner.

Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered under BNS section 74 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), and the accused was arrested. Further investigation was underway, police said.

J&K health secretary Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said in an order that Dr Manhas will remain suspended pending an inquiry into his conduct. During the suspension period, he will remain attached with the directorate of health services, Jammu.