Can’t probe without complaint from victim: Nanavati hospital

Probe into the alleged sexual harassment and improper touch by a doctor at Nanavati Hospital has hit a roadblock as the woman has refused to file a complaint with the hospital committee.

A source from the hospital said, "The sexual harassment committee requires a verbal or written complaint from the victim to initiate a probe. We had approached the woman but she refused to comment. However, we are going to continue with the suspension of the doctor."

The case came to the fore on March 31 when screenwriter Darab Farooqui, who had gone to the hospital, in a Twitter thread, stated, "We were startled to hear loud screams and shouts coming from Room 5. Suddenly, the door burst open, and a girl screamed, her face flushed with rage. What kind of hospital is this, she screamed, where doctors are touching a girl improperly in a room? This is how you do check ups?' she said."

Taking note of the allegation, the hospital has suspended the doctor and initiated an inquiry.

The source added, "We told the woman to come to the hospital to explain her ordeal so that we can initiate the probe. We called her on Monday but she refused to come and meet us." mid-day's attempts to contact the official spokesperson of the hospital went unanswered.