NHRC notice to state on molestation

Mumbai: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the state government over the alleged molestation of a 14-year-old seizure patient by a member of the sanitation staff inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a municipal hospital in Thane. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a 39-year-old sweeper tied the hands of the patient to the bed and molested her inside the ICU of the hospital in Kalwa on Saturday. He was subsequently arrested. The commission has issued a notice to the chief secretary of the state government calling for a detailed report in the matter, including action taken against the guilty and relief and rehabilitation/counselling provided to the victim. It also sought information on whether such incidents have occurred in the past in any of the government hospitals and the steps taken by authorities to ensure safety and security of indoor patients at the government-run hospitals. A response is expected within four weeks.

During treatment, one hand of the victim was  tied to the bed to administer saline. The accused, Dinesh Koli tied the girl's other hand as well to the bed and allegedly touched her inappropriately. Witnessing this, the patient on next bed raised an alarm.