GURUGRAM: A 21-year-old tuberculosis patient has alleged she was sexually assaulted while on ventilator support in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Fortis Hospital.
The patient, who regained consciousness after six days earlier this week (on Tuesday), wrote the name of the alleged rapist – Vikas – on a piece of paper when her parents had come to visit her. Police and the hospital management were tightlipped on who Vikas is, but sources said only hospital attendants and patients’ relatives were allowed inside the ICU.
Fortis said in a statement it was cooperating with the police investigation. The woman, who is from Mahendergarh, was admitted to the hospital on October 21 with breathing problems. After an initial examination, doctors put her on ventilator support in the ICU. The patient was in a semi-conscious state then.
After their daughter scribbled down the name of the accused and conveyed to them what had happened, her parents lodged a complaint at Sushant Lok police station. “How can anyone do such a thing with a patient who is on a ventilator?” asked the woman’s father. Her parents have urged the police to conduct a medical examination at a government facility — a mandatory procedure in case of rape.
DCP (east) Maqsood Ahmed said a case of rape had been registered and the cops have initiated an investigation. “It’s not clear if Vikas is a hospital staff or not. We are trying to find out,” the DCP said. Doctors at the hospital have, however, said that the patient is unfit for giving a statement. The police will record her statement once her situation is a little stable. The cops are scanning CCTV footage to identify the accused.
Fortis said in a statement. “The patient came to the hospital on October 21 with severe respiratory symptoms and pulmonary tuberculosis. She was admitted to the ICU and from the second day of her admission, she is on ventilator support. Six days after admission, the patient has alleged that she has been violated within the hospital premises on the day of admission. Post complaint, police have been immediately informed. The hospital is fully cooperating with authorities and furnishing all information/details.”
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)