Aakash Institute of Medical Sciences staff claims sexual harassment by Chairman

Bengaluru: A queer allegation of sexual harassment has been filed by a 30-year employee of the Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Devanhalli against its founder Chairman Muniraju, his wife Pushpa Muniraj and Veena, a staffer.

In her complaint on March 12, the woman said the accused, particularly Chairman, Muniraju, began to harass her sexually, when she refused to bring fake patients, whenever, senior medical officers of the Medical Council of India came to the hospital on inspection.

“I have been working in the institute since April 1, 2014, and was forced to bring fake patients on many occasions. I came to know that it was an illegal activity and decided to stop bringing fake ones. But the accused trio started abusing and threatening me with dire consequences and finally went on to sexually harass me for refusing their directives,” she alleged.

As the complainant did not comply with their demands, Muniraju allegedly stopped paying her. “They stopped my payment since I stopped bringing fake patients. They owe me Rs 6 lakh as outstanding salary,” the complainant said.

The Police claim that no arrests have been made in the absence of the investigations. “We have to question them first,” the cops at Devanahalli said.

The complainant’s family, when contacted by TOI, stated that staffer Veena had gone a step ahead threatening to ‘throw acid on the victim’s face if she did not comply to the Chairman’s demand. The family alleged that they had documental proof that the lady employee /victim was forced to work under life-threatening conditions. When the victim refused to comply with the chairman’s request for false patients, the family stated that she was threatened with dire consequences, by Veena, including an acid attack.

However, commenting on the entire episode, Muniraju told reporters that her allegations are 'baseless' and that she was sacked for irregular attendance. “I never met her in the institute or outside, as my wife and other staff take care of it. We have given records to police and officials concerned regarding treatment availed by patients,” he added to the Express.