Doctor Arrested for Alleged Rape of Two Patients at Odisha Government Hospital

A doctor at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has been arrested on charges of raping two female patients, according to a statement released by local authorities on Tuesday. The alleged incidents occurred on Sunday when the women visited the hospital's cardiac department for an echocardiography test.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Cuttack, Prakash R, confirmed that the resident physician was taken into custody after the two women lodged formal complaints at the Mangalabag police station on Monday. The case has since been registered, and investigations are underway.

In response to the gravity of the allegations, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has constituted a three-member investigative committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the claims against the doctor. According to a department notification, the committee is tasked with providing recommendations for appropriate government action based on its findings.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Anil Mishra disclosed that the accused doctor had instructed the two patients to return for the test on Sunday, diverging from the usual procedure of conducting such tests on Friday. This deviation is currently under investigation as part of the broader inquiry.

Reports have also surfaced of the accused doctor being physically assaulted by the relatives of one of the patients. However, ADCP Mishra noted that no formal complaints regarding the assault have been filed with the police.

The case has sparked widespread outrage, with public and health sector stakeholders calling for stringent action. As the investigation progresses, the committee's findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.