IMA speaks up for Margao doctor in molestation case

Margao: A large number of members of the medical community made their presence felt at the Margao town police station on Monday in support of the 77-year-old doctor who was accused of molesting a 26-year-old patient last week.

The Indian Medical Association, Margao branch, submitted a representation demanding that the investigation into the case be given to another officer. It also sought an inquiry into an alleged extortion to withdraw the complaint.

Sources in the police revealed that another similar complaint has been submitted by another woman, which the police are yet to register.

Police sources said that during their investigation it has come to light that a person who had unsuccessfully contested assembly elections is behind these complaints. Sources said that the same person, who now calls himself a social activist, allegedly barged into the clinic of the accused doctor and restrained him for some hours thereby giving credence to the IMA charges of extortion.

President of IMA Margao, Dr Babita Angle told reporters that the doctor’s name was made public without any proof, while the credibility of the woman who complained hasn’t been questioned. The medical practitioners have protested the treatment meted out to the doctor by the PSI, she said.

“No law protecting authority can say I'll slap you. Put a lock on your clinic and shut it.”

The IMA members were joined by members of the pharmacists association

“When police register a case, they should first check the credibility of the NGO. We demand that such cases be dealt with, with sensitivity. The police cannot ask the doctor to lock his clinic. Such things should not happen as it is very difficult to build a career,” said Angle.