A 65-year-old woman was allegedly sexaually assaulted on the premises of a government hospital in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district by another patient, police reported on Thursday. The accused, a 25-year-old man who had also come to the hospital for treatment, has been arrested.
The assault occurred around 2 a.m. on Wednesday when the elderly woman, who had traveled from a nearby village for medical treatment, decided to stay overnight at the hospital due to the late hour.
The incident came to notice when the woman's cries for help alerted other people on the hospital who quickly intervened and rescued her. The accused was apprehended on the spot and handed over to the police.
Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouksey confirmed the incident, as per India Today stating, "The woman had come to the hospital for treatment and was on the hospital premises when the crime occurred. The accused has been arrested and is currently in custody."
Chouksey clarified that the crime took place on the hospital campus rather than inside the hospital building. He said that it prima facie appeared to be a case of rape and a case has been registered under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The victim is currently receiving medical care at the hospital. A thorough investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This event comes amidst widespread outrage within the medical community following the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, further highlighting concerns over safety and security at healthcare facilities across the country.
Several protests are being held by medicos around the country condemning the lack of safety and infrastructure facilities for the fratenity. The Central Bureau of Investigation is set to do polygraph test on ex-RG Kar Hospital principal and 4 others.