A man accused of sexually assaulting an air hostess while she was on ventilator support in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram was arrested on Thursday after a meticulous investigation lasting several days.
The accused, identified as 25-year-old Deepak, a technician employed at the hospital, was taken into custody after an extensive investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to solve the case. Police said Deepak hails from the village of Badhauli in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and had been working at the hospital for the last five months.
The investigation involved a thorough analysis of 800 CCTV cameras installed throughout the hospital, which was crucial in tracking down the suspect. In addition, the SIT questioned hospital staff and reviewed any available evidence to identify Deepak as the perpetrator.
According to the police, the air hostess, 46, was receiving emergency treatment at the hospital on April 5 after being transferred there for critical care. On April 6, while the woman was on a ventilator and in a weakened state, she alleged that Deepak sexually assaulted her in the ICU. The woman claimed she was unable to resist due to her condition. She also mentioned that two nurses were present at the time of the assault but did not intervene.
The matter remained undisclosed until April 13 when the woman, after her release from the hospital, confided in her husband about the traumatic incident. The husband immediately contacted the police, and an official complaint was filed at Sadar Police Station on April 14. The police then began their investigation, which ultimately led to Deepak’s arrest.
The hospital, after learning about the allegation, took swift action and suspended Deepak from his duties as a technician. In a statement, the hospital expressed that they were fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies to aid the investigation.
“We have been informed that the police have identified a suspect who has been taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation concerning allegations of sexual assault on a patient. On the basis of information provided to us by the police, we have suspended the suspect employee,” Medanta Hospital said in its statement.
The police have launched further inquiries into the incident, and investigations continue. Authorities have also questioned the role of the nurses present at the time of the assault. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of patients in critical care settings and the importance of ensuring their safety in hospitals.
The arrest of Deepak has brought relief to the victim and her family, but the case has raised broader questions about hospital security and the responsibilities of medical staff in safeguarding vulnerable patients.
Sources By Agencies