Thane, Jul 23 (PTI) — In a distressing incident at a private pediatric hospital in Kalyan, Thane, police have apprehended a man accused of assaulting a woman receptionist. The attack allegedly occurred when the receptionist denied him entry into the doctor's chamber without an appointment, according to officials on Wednesday.
A viral video captures the suspect, identified as Gokul Jha, who hails from Bihar, brutally kicking the receptionist and dragging her by her hair through the hospital reception area. The victim, a 25-year-old woman from Maharashtra, was saved by the intervention of relatives of other patients present at the time.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Jha was enraged when the receptionist refused to let him bypass the queue to meet with the doctor, who was attending to other patients. The receptionist is reported to have sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment in Dombivli.
Police have registered the FIR on the basis of the victim's complaint. The charges include assault, use of obscene language, and outraging the modesty of a woman, cited under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The suspect, Gokul Jha, was detained late on Tuesday evening. "Violence of this nature will not be tolerated. Our police team worked diligently to track and arrest Jha in Kalyan. He will be presented in court on Wednesday," Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Zende announced to reporters.
Political leaders from various parties expressed strong condemnation of the attack. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan held a meeting with DCP Zende, urging immediate action. Similarly, Shiv Sena district president Dipesh Mhatre and local Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raju Patil called for strict police intervention.
DCP Zende highlighted Jha's criminal history, revealing that he has faced charges in Vitthalwadi and Kolsewadi police stations before. Jha was recently released on bail in a serious criminal case. Three additional persons, Jha’s brother and two women who were present at the scene, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials are meticulously examining CCTV footage from the hospital and nearby areas to identify all individuals involved in the attack. "Our investigation is active and thorough," Zende assured, promising that all facets of the case will be closely scrutinized.
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