Haryana: 57-year-old woman dies after alleged assault at Panipat hospital
A 57-year-old woman, who was allegedly raped during a diagnostic test at a government hospital in Panipat, Haryana, died on Tuesday at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak. The accused, a CT scan operator, has been arrested, police said.
The woman, a heart patient, was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Panipat on August 16 after complaining of uneasiness. Doctors recommended an X-ray and a CT scan for diagnosis. According to the police complaint, the operator, identified as Rakesh, took the woman inside the CT scan room and allegedly sexually assaulted her. He also threatened her with consequences if she disclosed the incident to her family.
After the procedure, the woman regained consciousness and told her husband about the alleged assault. A case was registered at the Panipat City police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape and criminal intimidation. The accused was arrested shortly after the complaint was filed.
The woman’s husband told The Hindu that his wife was left deeply traumatised by the incident. “She was terminally ill and was therefore taken to Panipat Civil Hospital on August 16 where the assault took place. The assault at this age and in this medical condition had impacted her adversely,” he said over the phone.
The woman was subsequently referred to PGIMS Rohtak for specialised treatment. Doctors at the institute said she died on Tuesday. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, and authorities have initiated an inquest under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Haryana Police confirmed that the accused remains in custody and is being questioned. Additional charges may be filed against him in connection with the woman’s death, depending on the post-mortem report and further investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of patients, particularly women, in healthcare facilities. Medical ethics experts and women’s rights activists have called for stricter protocols, including the presence of attendants during radiological and other invasive procedures, and for ensuring that hospital staff are properly vetted and trained.
Panipat’s Civil Hospital administration has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. A senior official said that the hospital has formed a committee to review procedural lapses and will take corrective action to prevent such incidents in the future.
The case highlights a broader issue of sexual violence in medical settings, where patients are often vulnerable due to their health conditions and reliance on caregivers. Legal experts say that while the law provides for stringent punishment for sexual assault, systemic changes in hospital management and patient safety measures are equally important.
The woman’s family has demanded justice and called for a swift and transparent investigation. Her husband said, “We trust the courts to deliver justice, but no punishment can undo the pain we have suffered.”
As the investigation continues, the police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The post-mortem examination is expected to provide further clarity on the sequence of events leading to her death.
