MCH SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE: ACCUSED DISMISSED FROM SERVICE

Sexual assault during post-surgery care

- LESLY JOSEPH @Kozhikode

The Kozhikode Medical College has dismissed the attendant who was accused of sexually assaulting a female patient at the hospital ICU. The college principal issued the order dismissing the accused — M Saseendran — from service, following the Medical College Administration Department's recommendation on Thursday after an internal investigation report.

The incident took place on March 18, 2023, when the attendant sexually assaulted the patient who was admitted to the ICU for thyroid surgery at the medical college. Following the assault, allegations that the hospital authorities were trying to protect the accused surfaced, since no action was taken against him.

The hospital employees reportedly attempted to pressure the survivor to change her statement given to the police. A senior nursing staffer, P B Anitha, who gave a statement against Saseendran, was also threatened.