Patna, Sep 13: A rural doctor has been arrested in Bihar’s Sheikhpura district for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl after calling her to his clinic for treatment and subsequently blackmailing her with videos and photographs, police said.
The accused, identified as Vinod Kumar, son of Kuldeep Ram, was arrested within about two hours of the registration of an FIR, according to police. His wife has also been named as an accused in the case.
The case was reported from a village under the Chewara police station area. According to the complaint, the teenager had approached Kumar around six months ago for treatment related to menstrual problems.
The girl has alleged that she was administered a saline injection after which she lost consciousness, and that the accused sexually assaulted her during the episode. She further alleged that the incident was recorded and photographed by the accused, who later threatened to make the material public if she disclosed it.
Police said the alleged threats kept the teenager from informing her family for several months.
The matter came to light on Saturday when the accused allegedly visited the girl’s home on the pretext of providing medicine. He allegedly attempted to assault her again, following which the girl resisted and family members rushed to the room after hearing the commotion.
The accused was allegedly preparing to leave the village when police apprehended him, officials said.
ASP Dr Rakesh Kumar said the accused had allegedly used the pretext of treatment to gain the minor’s trust before threatening her with objectionable videos and photographs.
“Due to fear and the prospect of social stigma, the student was unable to disclose the incident to her family for a considerable period,” Kumar said.
Police said objectionable videos and photographs were recovered from the accused’s mobile phone and would form part of the digital evidence in the investigation. The girl has been sent for medical examination.
Investigators are also examining the accused’s mobile phone, contacts and other activities to determine whether other minors may have been targeted.
“Strict legal action will be taken against the accused,” the ASP said, adding that the police would complete the necessary legal procedures and pursue the case through a fast-track court.
Kumar also urged parents to maintain regular communication with their children and encourage them to report any threats, pressure or exploitation immediately to family members or the police.
The investigation is underway.
