A junior doctor at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi has accused her senior colleague of making an attempt to rape in the hospital's coronavirus ward, as per a statement by the police on Friday. Sapan Mahta, Officer-in-charge of Bariatu police station, issued a statement saying, "The lady doctor in her statement said that they were on duty in Covid ward on Wednesday night. After the duty hours, the senior doctor came to her room and switched off lights and attempted to sexually assault her. The incident took place on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday as per the statement of the lady doctor."

Coronavirus ward doctor in Jharkhand accuses senior colleague of rape attempt

Mr. Mahta further added that the senior doctor has already been booked under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376 (rape) and 511 (attempt to commit an offence). He also said that the victim's statement has been recorded and she will next record her statement in front of a magistrate. The officer-in-charge did go on to say that the police are currently at a difficult place as to proceeding to take immediate action considering the doctor is in quarantine at a city hotel. He said, "The doctor went into quarantine on Thursday morning after the alleged incident on Wednesday night. We are trying to solve this issue technically,".

Coronavirus ward doctor in Jharkhand accuses senior colleague of rape attempt

Doctors working at the RIMS for a week's time will need to go into quarantine for 14 days as part of the coronavirus protocols, said a senior official at the hospital. On the other hand, demands for quick action on the impending case has been made by the Junior Doctors’ Association, RIMS, with association president Dr Ajit Kumar requesting for a fair inquiry as well as speedy justice for the victim.

Coronavirus ward doctor in Jharkhand accuses senior colleague of rape attempt