Three Arrested in Nurse's Rape Case at Moradabad Hospital Amid Nationwide Doctor Protests

Uttar Pradesh Police arrested three individuals, including a doctor, for allegedly raping a nurse in Moradabad. The incident has sparked nationwide protests demanding increased safety for healthcare workers. A bench led by the Chief Justice of India will review the case, and the CBI is now investigating.

Uttar Pradesh Police have apprehended three individuals, including a doctor, in connection with the alleged rape of a nurse at a private hospital in Moradabad district, officials confirmed on Monday. Moradabad Rural SP Sandeep Kumar Meena stated that the incident was reported on August 18.

"On August 18, a complaint was lodged at the Thakurdwara police station. The plaintiff alleged that his daughter was raped by the doctor where she worked," Meena said. He identified the accused as Dr. Shahnawaz, Junaid, and a woman named Mehnawaz. Charges under sections 61/2, 64, 351/2, and 127/2 of the BNS and SC/ST Act have been filed. All three suspects have been detained, and the hospital has been sealed as the victim's medical examination concluded.

The incident coincides with nationwide protests by doctors following the alleged assault and murder of a female PG-trainee doctor in West Bengal's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. As a result, Northern Railway Central Hospital's resident doctors protested outside Delhi's Nirman Bhawan on Monday, demanding justice and safety audits for medical institutions. Similar demonstrations occurred in Mumbai, where Dr. Prerna Gomes of Jaslok Hospital emphasized the need for safer workplaces for doctors.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 71 Padma awardee doctors expressed concern over the increasing violence against healthcare professionals and urged for immediate intervention. The case will be heard on August 20 by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Following a Calcutta High Court directive, the Central Bureau of Investigation is also probing the incident, which took place on August 9. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)