Bengaluru Dermatologist Arrested for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Female Patient

Bengaluru, October 21 2025 – In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns over patient safety in clinical settings, a 56-year-old dermatologist, identified as Dr Praveen, has been arrested by the Ashok Nagar Police Station in central Bengaluru. The arrest follows allegations of sexual harassment lodged by a 21-year-old woman who visited his private clinic for treatment of a skin infection.

What the Complaint Alleges

According to the FIR filed by the victim:

• The woman visited the doctor’s clinic on October 18, around 7:30 pm, to consult regarding a skin infection.
• During the consultation, the doctor allegedly forced the patient to undress, claiming it was part of examination.
• He reportedly committed inappropriate touching, hugging and kissing despite the victim’s repeated objections.
• He is further alleged to have made indecent remarks and suggested meeting later at a hotel.
• The victim stated that her father ordinarily accompanies her for treatment but was absent this time, which she believes the doctor took advantage of.
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Legal Action & Investigation Status

• The police have registered a case under Sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• Dr Praveen is currently in custody pending further investigation.
• Investigations are underway by the Ashok Nagar police, including reliability of medical records, witness statements and physical evidence.

Context and Background

This case comes at a time when concerns over patient-doctor relations and safety in medical clinics have gained renewed attention in India. While clinics are supposed to be safe zones for treatment, several recent incidents have spotlighted misconduct and the need for stricter oversight.
In this light:

• Medical protocols regarding consent, examination procedures and safeguarding patient dignity are under scrutiny.
• The fact that the alleged incident occurred during a medical consultation underscores the potential vulnerability patients may face, especially when alone.
• The arrest sends a strong message that professional status does not shield from legal and ethical accountability.

What It Means for Patients & Clinics

For patients – This incident emphasises the importance of:

• Ensuring you are accompanied, if possible, during consultations-especially when you feel uncomfortable or are in a new clinic.
• Being aware of your rights: consent, choice of chaperone, and refusal of any action that feels intrusive or unwarranted.
• Filing complaints or informing family/friends immediately if something goes wrong.

For clinics/medical practitioners – The key takeaways are:

• Medical staff must strictly adhere to informed consent, dignity and professional boundaries.
• Clinics should have protocols: chaperones during sensitive examinations, clear patient-information signage, complaint/feedback mechanisms.
• Regulatory bodies/medical associations may heighten monitoring of private clinics and mentorship/training of doctors on ethics and patient interaction.

Ahead: What to Watch

• The progress of the investigation: police may examine clinic CCTV, medical records, witness statements (other staff/patients).
• Any actions by the medical council or licensing authority against Dr Praveen-e.g., revocation of licence, disciplinary hearings.
• Possible policy or institutional responses: whether local medical associations or clinic networks tighten supervision or introduce patient-safety audits.
• The impact of the case on wider public confidence in private clinics and doctor-patient trust.

A private clinical environment, by its nature, places trust in the practitioner. This alleged breach highlights how critical it is to maintain ethical and legal standards in medical practice. For readers and patients of the region, this case is a reminder: no matter the setting or practitioner’s seniority, your dignity and rights matter. The law stands ready to act-and so should we, both as informed patients and as a society committed to safe healthcare.