Mumbai – In a significant development, the Mumbai Sessions Court has refused anticipatory bail to Dr Ravindra Deokar, a senior doctor and professor at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, in a sexual harassment case involving multiple women.
The FIR against Dr Deokar alleges that he inappropriately touched several female staff, including assistant professors, students, and clerks in the forensic medicine and toxicology department. Accusations include unwanted touching during selfies, inappropriate physical contact, and non-consensual kissing of a female colleague.
Sessions Court Judge Gauri Kawdikar, while rejecting the pre-arrest bail plea, noted that the allegations point to a pattern of misconduct. “There is a strong possibility that there are more victims who have suffered in silence over his long tenure,” the judge remarked.
The court also took into account a supportive email from another female doctor, corroborating the charges, along with statements from six other complainants.
Dr Deokar’s counsel, Advocate Divakar Rai, argued that the FIR was delayed and alleged it was motivated by internal politics within the hospital. He claimed that a senior doctor, in retaliation for being reported for harassment himself, influenced the filing of the FIR.
However, the court highlighted that calls and messages from Dr Deokar and his wife to the victims after the FIR’s registration suggested attempts to influence or pressure witnesses. Justice Kawdikar emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the investigation, stating:
“It is clear that the applicant is directly or indirectly trying to influence or pressurize the victims.”
Although custodial interrogation was denied, the court deemed it necessary to deny anticipatory bail to prevent any further interference in the ongoing investigation.
