Mumbai – A Sessions Court in Mumbai on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of a senior doctor from a BMC-run hospital, accused of sexually harassing six female doctors.
The court, while denying bail, emphasized the need for a fair and uninfluenced investigation, stating that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. “To ensure victims can speak up without pressure, the accused must not be in a position to interfere with the probe,” the court observed.
Allegations and Investigation
The prosecution opposed the plea, citing ongoing investigations and alleging that the accused inappropriately touched women doctors under the pretext of taking selfies. Prosecutors also said more witnesses may emerge as the inquiry progresses.
Despite the doctor’s claim of a clean track record and alleging internal politics behind the complaint, the court ruled that his senior position could potentially allow him to influence witnesses, making him ineligible for pre-arrest protection.
The accused, serving as an additional professor, claimed the case was rooted in personal grudges, and argued that the delay in FIR registration and lack of need for custodial interrogation should favor his release.
However, the court maintained that the nature of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the probe necessitate custodial restraint to protect the integrity of the investigation.
