A 25-year-old woman who had gone to him for treatment has accused him of misbehaving with her.

A gynaecologist based in Thiruvananthapuram was on November 6 evening arrested by the Museum police for allegedly sexually harassing his patient. The accused, named Sanal Kumar, works at a Government Taluk Hospital in the city’s Fort area and also runs a separate private clinic, which is where the alleged sexual harassment took place.
 

The doctor was arrested after a 25-year-old woman filed a complaint with the Museum police, under whose jurisdiction the clinic falls under, alleging that the doctor had misbehaved with her. The woman is a native of Kozhikode and has been living in Thiruvananthapuram to pursue her studies.

"Though he works in the government sector, the doctor also runs a private clinic at Kowdiar in the city. The harassment took place while the woman was seeking treatment at his clinic," Museum Circle Inspector Biju told TNM. The doctor has been arrested under Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to women with intent to disrobe) and Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code.

Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code also includes physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures or a demand for sexual favours or making sexually coloured remarks. 354B also includes assault or criminal force to any woman or abets with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked.

The doctor was arrested late on November 6. The police had taken the doctor to the police station on November 6 evening for the woman to identify. After the woman identified him as the perpetrator, he was taken into custody. On November 7, he was presented before the Judicial First Class Magistrate court in Thiruvananthapuram, the police said. 

This story was originally published on The News Minute and is reprinted here with permission. It can be viewed here.