Renowned cardiac electrophysiologist was reportedly under mental stress following 2024 sexual harassment case
Chennai: In a tragic incident, a 59-year-old senior cardiologist associated with Madras Medical Mission was found dead at his residence in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, on Thursday in a suspected suicide case. Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
According to police sources, the deceased doctor was heading the Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing at the hospital and was residing in Alwarthirunagar. His wife is also a doctor and is employed at Sri Ramachandra Hospital.
Officials stated that the senior cardiologist had earlier been arrested in 2024 in connection with a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman associated with the hospital. Following the complaint, he was reportedly traced to Tirupati, arrested, and later brought to Chennai by police authorities. The complainant had also approached the National Commission for Women and the Chennai district administration regarding the alleged harassment.
The doctor was remanded to judicial custody and spent around 15 days in jail before securing bail. Sources told local media that the incident had allegedly caused him severe mental stress, and he had reportedly become irregular at work after his release.
Police said the doctor was alone at his residence on Wednesday when the incident is believed to have occurred. After receiving information, officers from the Valasaravakkam police station reached the spot and shifted the body to a government hospital for postmortem examination.
The deceased cardiologist was considered a prominent name in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and pacing, with nearly 30 years of experience. He had participated as faculty and speaker at several national and international medical conferences, including events organised by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society and the Heart Rhythm Society.
Police investigation into the case is currently underway.
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