Police issue notice after failed attempts to contact accused; anticipatory bail plea filed
MUMBAI: In a major development from KEM Hospital in Parel, a senior doctor has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment by six women doctors. Dr Ravindra Deokar, professor in the forensic medicine and toxicology department, has been barred from both public and private medical practice pending investigation.
The six complainants filed an FIR at Bhoiwada police station on April 12, citing multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior. As the accused doctor remained unreachable—his phone switched off and home found locked—police pasted a notice on his residence within the hospital campus, instructing him to appear for questioning.
“We’ve tried reaching him several times, but he’s unavailable. A notice has now been pasted at his home,” confirmed Senior Police Inspector Sachin Kadam.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Dr Deokar’s lawyer, Saurabh Tamhankar, has moved a sessions court seeking anticipatory bail. The matter is expected to be heard on Saturday.
The FIR includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 74: Unwelcome physical contact, advances, or sexually coloured remarks
- Section 75: Use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty
- Section 79: Protection from actions intended to insult modesty
Prior Allegations Resurface
The FIR notes that on April 9, before approaching authorities, the six doctors informed Dr Deokar’s wife about his alleged conduct. “She assured us she would speak to him,” the FIR reads.
Dean of KEM Hospital, Dr Sangeeta Rawat, revealed that a similar complaint had been filed against Dr Deokar in 2021 by another doctor who later moved abroad, making it difficult to pursue the case further. “This time, the matter was escalated to the additional municipal commissioner and director of BMC hospitals,” Dr Rawat stated.
Multiple Inquiries Launched
The BMC and the hospital’s Central Internal Complaints Committee, functioning under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, have initiated parallel investigations into the matter.
Responding late on Friday via WhatsApp, Dr Deokar said, “I have full faith in the judiciary. I am aware of the complaint and will cooperate with the POSH committee and police.”
The case has sparked serious concern within the medical community and renewed calls for stringent enforcement of workplace safety policies in healthcare institutions.
