Not just attack but sexual assault; second statement recorded in Pathanapuram dentist attack case

KOLLAM: Additional charges in the case of a female dentist getting assaulted by stuffing a cloth in her mouth at a private clinic in Pathanapuram. The doctor's statement was recorded again yesterday on the instructions of Rural SP K.M. Sabu Mathew. The statement makes it clear that a sexual assault attempt took place.

The report prepared by the Pathanapuram SHO based on the second statement was presented before the magistrate yesterday. The accused was produced before the Kadakkal Magistrate on Sunday as the Pathanapuram Magistrate was on leave, but was granted interim bail with conditions. The interim bail is till the case is heard in the Pathanapuram court on the 31st.

The defendant claims that the dentist was beaten up over a previous feud related to him bringing his mother for dental treatment.

The police initially registered an FIR under sections 329 (3), 126 (2) and 74, but yesterday they also filed a sexual assault section.

It is a non-bailable offence if a case is filed under the Prevention of Atrocities on Healthcare Workers Act in Kerala. The punishment is three years in prison and a fine of Rs 50,000. Still, the accused was granted bail.