Bhubaneswar: Berhampur police on Tuesday arrested a man who claimed to be a ‘homeopathy doctor’ for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl under the guise of offering her free education and accommodation for nursing studies.
Two women associates of the doctor were also apprehended by the police for abetting the crime.
The accused has been identified as Bhabani Sankar Das (47), a resident of Niranjan Nagar in Berhampur. Two women — Priyanka Sahu (21) of VIP Colony under Baidyanathpur police limits and a 50-year-old Anganwadi worker — were also arrested for alleged complicity in the case.
According to reports, Das runs a clinic named Bajpayee Arogyadam at Raja Rani Apartments near Courtpeta Chhak. Sahu was employed as a receptionist at the facility.
Investigators revealed that the victim’s mother came into contact with Das through the Anganwadi worker, who allegedly told her that the man supported girls from economically weaker backgrounds by providing free education and lodging.
Trusting the claims, the family visited the clinic and met the accused. Das assured them that he would help the girl pursue a BSc Nursing degree and offered to arrange accommodation for her.
On June 23, the girl arrived at the location with her aunt and cousin. After her relatives left, the accused allegedly took her to another room, where she was offered drinking water by the receptionist. The girl soon began to feel uneasy but remained conscious and aware of her surroundings.
Subsequently, she was subjected to inappropriate conduct despite her resistance. Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. All three accused were taken into custody on Tuesday.
Preliminary findings also indicate that Das does not possess a valid medical degree. An inquiry has been initiated to verify his credentials and the legal status of the clinic.
