Indian-Origin Doctor Arrested In US For Sexually Assaulting Female Patients

An Indian-origin physician in Georgia, United States, has been accused in multiple cases of sexual assault inflicted on four of his veteran female patients during routine check-ups over a period of one year, according to the Department of Justice.

Rajesh Motibhai Patel worked as a primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Decatur, Georgia. The 68-year-old physician is accused of violating the patient’s constitutional right to bodily integrity while acting under the colour of law and for engaging in unwanted sexual contact, according to the press release on May 4, 2023.

Doctor Sexually Assaults Patients

Dr Patel allegedly inappropriately touched his patients during their checkups. Investigators have gathered enough proof to believe that Patel might have sexually assaulted other patients too.

US Attorney Ryan K Buchanan stated that Patel has been abusing his female patients between 2019 and 2020, thus violating his oath to do no harm to patients under his care.

Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael J. Missa said that veteran patients and their families expect and deserve the highest quality of healthcare provided to them in a safe and accountable setting. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

Similar Case

In November 2022, a 57-year-old acupuncture doctor charged with sexually harassing female patients was arrested by the CBI. The police found over 50 videos of patients in an undressed state on the doctor’s two mobile phones.

The doctor was identified as Venkataramanan, alias Venkat, who used to run a clinic named Mathikere. The crime came to light in March 2023 after a 41-year-old woman and the mother of a 13-year-old girl filed a complaint with the police.

Incidents like these make women wonder if there is any place where we are truly safe. Doctors are supposed to protect and save us, so it’s terrifying when doctors who are supposed to protect and save us take advantage of our trust and vulnerability.

Suggested Reading: Guwahati Doctor Couple Arrested For Holding Twin Children Captive And Abusing Them For Months