Goa Doctor Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Spanish Patient in ICU, Sparks Outrage

A disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through Goa's medical community, raising serious questions about patient safety and professional ethics. A doctor at a private hospital in Candolim has been arrested on grave charges of allegedly molesting a 28-year-old Spanish woman who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a medical condition.

The alleged incident came to light when the family of the Spanish national lodged a formal complaint with the Calangute police.

According to the complaint, the woman, who was in a vulnerable state due to her admission to the critical care unit, was reportedly subjected to inappropriate touching by the doctor on duty.

The accused, identified as Dr. Rajkumar Maurya, was promptly taken into custody following the family's distressing allegations.

Police have registered a case against him under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. This section carries significant legal repercussions for such grave offenses.

Investigators have initiated a thorough probe into the matter.

This includes collecting statements from the victim's family, hospital staff, and other potential witnesses. Crucially, authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital premises, particularly areas surrounding the ICU, to corroborate the allegations and gather definitive evidence. The medical facility is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation.

This incident underscores the paramount importance of trust between patients and medical professionals, especially when patients are at their most vulnerable.

Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, and any breach of this trust, particularly an alleged act of molestation within a critical care setting, is a profound violation that demands immediate and rigorous action. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched as it will have significant implications for patient care protocols and the accountability of healthcare providers in Goa and beyond.