‘Hugged, forced to undress’: Bengaluru doctor held after woman claims she was sexually harassed at clinic

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A 21-year-old woman has accused a 56-year-old dermatologist of sexually harassing her during a consultation at his private clinic in central Bengaluru.

According to media reports, the accused, identified as Dr Praveen, was arrested by Ashok Nagar police and has now been remanded in judicial custody.

The woman, in her complaint, alleged that the doctor took advantage of her being alone at the clinic on Saturday evening.

On the pretext of examining her skin infection, he allegedly touched her inappropriately and continued to harass her for nearly 30 minutes. She stated that he hugged and kissed her multiple times and made indecent advances, despite her resisting his actions.

The complaint stated that the doctor allegedly forced her to undress under the pretext of a medical examination and later suggested booking a hotel room to spend time with her in private. She added that she typically visited the clinic with her father, but he was unable to accompany her that day.

Later, when the woman narrated the ordeal, her family, along with other local residents, gathered outside the clinic and staged a protest. Following this, the police arrived at the spot and detained the doctor who denied the allegations, claiming the complainant misunderstood his actions.

A case under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered.