Trigger warning: Rape and sexual assault
- The non-medical, outsourced staff of Fortis hospital has been identified as the perpetrator.
- The crime took place between October 27, when the patient was admitted to ICU, and the day she regained consciousness, October 28
- The victim conveyed the information to her parents through a note, post which the case was registered.
THD NewsDesk, Gurugram: Admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Gurugram’s Fortis hospital, a 21-year-old tuberculosis patient admitted was allegedly raped by a non-medical outsourced staff while undergoing treatment. The perpetrator has been identified by the victim and posts detailed inquiry, would soon be behind bars.
According to the victim’s parents, the tragic incident took place sometime between October 21 and October 27 when she was on a ventilator in a semi-conscious condition. The crime was reported on October 28, a day after the patient regained consciousness and confided in her father through a handwritten note, and a case was registered.
Usha Kundu, the assistant commissioner of police (HQ), said,
“The hospital conducted an investigation internally, and we were informed by the family members (about the alleged crime), following which we have registered a case under section 376 (2) (E) of Indian Penal Code at Sushant Lok police station. We have identified the suspect but are yet to arrest him”.
Kundu informed that on questioning, the victim had uttered the name – ‘Vikas,’ which prompted the police to inquire about the hospital’s staff. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the alleged rapist is an outsourced, non-medical staff. She confirmed that the crime perpetrator would soon be arrested as soon as all the details are verified.
KK Rao, Commissioner of Police, said, “A board of doctors from the civil hospital had conducted a medical investigation on Wednesday and police protection has been provided to the patient in the hospital.”
Fortis Hospital has released a statement saying,
“(The) Patient came to the hospital on October 21, 2020, with severe respiratory symptoms and pulmonary tuberculosis. She was admitted to ICU, and from the second day of her admission, she is on ventilator support. Six days after admission, the patient has alleged that she has been violated within the hospital premises on admission. Post complain police have been immediately informed. Hospital is fully cooperating with authorities and furnishing all information/details.”
The victim’s father has alleged a “breach of patient security and safety.” He has questioned the hospital authorities for allowing a male staff near his daughter’s private ICU bed. The police have recovered CCTV footage and are further interrogating the hospital staff. The police have also promised to provide counseling to the patient to help her recoup from mental trauma.
Source: Hindustan Times
