Nagpur: The Vishaka committee led by psychiatrist Dr Archana Zode has found a senior clerk at the Regional Mental Hospital guilty of sexually abusing a staff nurse last month.
Medical superintendent Dr Purshottam Madavi said the committee submitted report three days back. “It has been forwarded to deputy director of health services (DDHS) who will take suitable action. The report was completed without the clerk turning up despite giving all opportunities to present himself before the panel to explain his side,” said Dr Madavi.
However, Dr Madavi refused to disclose what action follows. “The higher authority will take action against the accused (clerk),” he said when asked if the clerk was given a clean chit in the case.
DDHS Dr Sanjay Jaiswal said he was yet to see the report. “Once I see it, whatever action is recommended will be taken,” he said.
The clerk has been absconding since December last week when the complaint was filed against him.
The committee had issued an ultimatum to the accused after he failed to appear before the panel for two consecutive hearings held on January 4 and 6.
The complainant nurse had accused the clerk of sexual harassment by sending her obscene messages on WhatsApp.
On December 29, a fight had broken out at the hospital between the complainant and the accused clerk over the alleged message. Sources claimed the two had been exchanging messages for a while on mobile but suddenly something went wrong and the fight came out in the open.
The statement of complainant was recorded and the panel had decided to issue an ex parte order in case the accused fails to attend the hearing.