A doctor employed at the sub-district hospital in Banihal, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, was arrested on Tuesday following allegations of sexual assault from a patient. The accused, Dr. Girdhari Lal Manhas, a consultant gynecologist, was subsequently suspended by the health department without delay.
According to police reports, the patient, Nadia Banoo, who is currently pregnant, attended the hospital for a routine check-up. In her complaint, she alleged that during the examination, Dr. Manhas molested her and made unwanted physical contact.
Authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the doctor under section 74 of the Jammu and Kashmir Ranbir Penal Code, which addresses assault or the use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty. Following the filing of the complaint, the accused was promptly taken into custody, and an investigation is ongoing.
In response to the incident, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, the health secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, issued an order stating that Dr. Manhas will remain suspended while the inquiry into his conduct is conducted. During this suspension period, he will be attached to the directorate of health services in Jammu.
