The NRI Coastal police have said that the 55-year-old doctor from Belapur, who was arrested last week for raping a 17-year-old employee, had given the victim a tablet to make her drowsy.
The police said that the girl was working in the clinic of Dr. Sanjay Lad, who has been practising in Diwale village for the past 20 years. A police officer said that on April 1, the girl told Dr. Lad that she had a headache and he offered her a medicine.
The officer said, “The victim felt dizzy after taking the tablet and the doctor took advantage of her and raped her. The doctor said that he drugged her because he wasn’t able to lure her. The doctor claimed that he had coerced other women, including his patients and former employees, to have sex with him in exchange for money. Since the girl did not undergo a medical test soon after the incident, we couldn’t find out what tablet the accused had given her.”
The NRI Coastal police said that the residents of the area have approached them with complaints against the doctors. A police officer said, “The residents told us about several instances when the doctor molested patients and assaulted those who couldn’t pay his fees. We have now appealed to all residents to come forward and record their statement if they have been ill-treated by the doctor.” The police said that the girl fled from the clinic after she was raped and boarded a train to Madgaon. On the train, a woman sensed something was amiss and after hearing her ordeal told her to return to her home and file a complaint.
The police have booked the accused under Section 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence) and 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code, and sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
“The accused has been remanded in custody till Wednesday. We will then seek extension of his custody in court,” said senior police inspector Tanvir Shaikh.
