ALAPPUZHA: A case has been registered after a woman injured in an accident was allegedly sexually harassed by a man while being taken to a hospital in Kayamkulam, police said on Sunday.The accused, identified as Sinil Sabad, a trader from Kayamkulam, was booked following a complaint filed by the 25-year-old woman.
She and her family had met with an accident at KPAC Junction in the early hours of April 4.According to police, the accident occurred around 12.45 am when the vehicle carrying the victim and her family hit a median while they were returning from a pilgrimage.Police said Sabad, along with others who gathered at the spot, helped shift the injured family members to a hospital.The complainant alleged that the accused made sexual advances and inappropriately touched her while she was being taken to the hospital, police added.After reaching a private hospital, the woman informed doctors about the incident, who then alerted the police.A case was subsequently registered, officials said.The victim has alleged lapses in the investigation, claiming that police have not recorded her detailed statement and that no medical examination has been conducted so far.She also told the media on Sunday that the accused was questioned and later released.
An officer at Kayamkulam police station said the investigation is ongoing and that statements of witnesses are being recorded before any decision on the accused’s arrest is taken.Meanwhile, state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar has sought a detailed report from the Alappuzha district police chief after learning about the incident.Police sources said an internal probe has also been initiated to examine possible lapses in the investigation, and a report will be submitted to the State police chief within two days.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)(With agency inputs)
