Doctor at SDH Banihal booked, suspended over sexual assault allegations

Banihal, Sep 30: A gynaecologist posted at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal has been booked by police after a female patient accused him of sexual assault inside his chamber on Tuesday afternoon.

Confirming the incident, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen wrote on social media that the doctor had been arrested following the complaint. “I immediately spoke to the Hon’ble Health Minister, Madam Sakina Itoo, and briefed her about the incident, strongly urging strict action against the erring doctor. The Hon’ble Minister has assured that exemplary action will be taken and such shameful acts will never be tolerated,” Shaheen said. He further assured the people of Banihal that the dignity and safety of women would always remain a top priority.

Meanwhile, DDC Councilor Banihal and senior Congress leader Imtiaz Ahmed Khanday said he met Health Secretary Syed Abid Rashid Shah in Srinagar, demanding the doctor’s suspension and strict action. “The Health Secretary assured immediate action,” Khanday said.

Later in the evening, the government issued an order suspending the accused doctor, Dr. Girdhari Lal Manhas, Consultant Gynaecologist at SDH Banihal. “Pending inquiry into his conduct, Dr. Manhas is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect. During the suspension period, he shall remain attached with the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu,” reads Government Order No. 651-JK(HME) of 2025, signed by Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS, Secretary to the Government.