A 21-year-old woman in Bengaluru has accused a 56-year-old dermatologist, Dr Praveen, of sexually harassing her during a consultation at his private clinic on October 18.
The victim alleges that under the pretext of examining her skin infection, the doctor forced her to undress, touched her inappropriately, hugged and kissed her multiple times despite her resistance, and even suggested spending private time together at a hotel.
The woman usually visited the clinic accompanied by her father, but he was absent that day. Following her complaint, the Ashok Nagar police arrested Dr Praveen and registered a case under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, concerning sexual harassment and insult to modesty. He denies the allegations, claiming a misunderstanding, and has been remanded to judicial custody.
Allegations and Incident Details
The woman visited Dr Praveen’s clinic alone on the evening of October 18 for treatment of a skin infection. She alleged that the doctor exploited her solitary presence to engage in sexual harassment for nearly 30 minutes.
According to her complaint, Dr Praveen forcibly made her undress, touched her inappropriately, and kissed her multiple times despite her objections.
The doctor also allegedly proposed booking a hotel room to spend time privately, which added to the trauma. The woman’s family, along with local residents, protested outside the clinic demanding immediate action against the doctor.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Ashok Nagar police responded swiftly by arresting the dermatologist and registering a formal complaint citing Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused doctor denies the charges, stating that the complainant misunderstood his actions.
He has been remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue. Authorities have assured the victim’s family and the public that the case will be investigated thoroughly, and justice will be served.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This distressing incident highlights the critical need for safe, respectful environments within healthcare facilities where patients can seek treatment without fear of harassment.
The Logical Indian condemns such abuses of power and insists on stronger safeguards, accountability, and support systems for survivors. Institutions must prioritise patient dignity and safety, while society needs to foster trust and openness for victims to come forward.
