All three doctors accused of abetting the suicide of a junior resident doctor at a prominent Mumbai hospital were arrested on Tuesday night.
Dr Payal Tadvi, who was pursuing her post-graduation in gynaecology at the BYL Nair Hospital, hanged herself last week. Following her death, Tadvi's family alleged three senior doctors tortured her and hurled casteist abuse at her. Tadvi hailed from a scheduled tribe community.
One of the accused, Bhakti Meher, was arrested by the Agripada Police on Tuesday. Another accused, Ankita Khandelwal, was arrested at the Andheri Railway Station, according to media reports, while the third accused, Hema Ahuja, was arrested on Tuesday night. The trio had moved an anticipatory bail plea before a sessions court in Mumbai, which is expected to come up for hearing on Wednesday.
also read
- IAF Chief says religious, caste discriminations should be defeated, ‘same blood flows through our veins’
- Akhilesh Yadav questions 'Pichda Dalit Alpsankhyak' representation in UP's police stations
- ‘Would you at least acknowledge Dalit atrocities are happening in Tamil Nadu?’ Director Pa. Ranjith slams Stalin
- SC asks UGC details of action taken on caste discrimination, set up of equal opportunity cells in higher institutions
The three accused have been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Anti-Ragging Act, the IT Act and Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. Tadvi's husband had alleged she had been murdered by the three doctors.
The suicide of Payal Tadvi had led to outrage among dalit and tribal groups, which have organised protests in recent days. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad announced he would visit Maharashtra, if needed, to seek justice for Tadvi. Both the State and national women's commissions have taken notice of the case and sought reports from officials.
