Was a Fake Doctor Arrested for Sexually Abusing a Minor in Berhampur, Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Arrest of a fake doctor in Berhampur for sexual abuse.
- Two accomplices apprehended by police.
- Victim misled under false promises of education.
- Investigation reveals potential fraud in medical qualifications.
- Community vigilance is crucial in safeguarding minors.
Bhubaneswar, June 24 (NationPress) The police in Odisha's Berhampur arrested a self-proclaimed homeopathy doctor on Tuesday, facing allegations of sexually assaulting a minor girl under the guise of helping her obtain a BSc nursing degree and offering her free education and housing, according to police sources.
Authorities also detained two female accomplices of the accused for their role in the crime.
The suspects have been identified as Bhabani Sankar Das (47), from the Niranjan Nagar locality, Priyanka Sahu (21), from VIP Colony under Baidyanathpur police jurisdiction, and a 50-year-old anganwadi worker.
Bhabani Sankar operates a clinic named Bajpayee Arogyadam located at Raja Rani Apartments near Courtpeta Chowk in Berhampur, while Priyanka serves as a receptionist at this clinic.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the mother of the victim, a 17-year-old girl, had made contact with Bhabani Sankar through the accused anganwadi worker a few days prior.
The anganwadi worker had informed the victim's mother that she was acquainted with Bhabani Sankar, who supposedly provides free housing and education to impoverished and disadvantaged girls and women.
Police sources indicated that trusting her, the victim, along with her mother and sister, visited Bajpayee Arogyadam to meet Bhabani Sankar three days earlier.
“He assured the family that he would secure the girl’s BSc Nursing degree and provide her with free education and lodging. Trusting Bhabani Sankar's words, the family consented to let the victim stay in the accommodation he recommended,” stated a police official.
On June 23, the victim, accompanied by her aunt and cousin, arrived at Raja Rani Complex to join Bajpayee Arogyadam.
After the victim's aunt and cousin departed, the accused doctor led the girl to another room in the same apartment, where his assistant Priyanka offered her some water.
“After drinking the water, the victim felt faint but remained aware of her surroundings. Despite her protests, Bhabani Sankar took her to the bedroom and assaulted her,” the police official added.
Following a complaint filed by the victim's aunt, the police initiated a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, leading to the arrest of the three suspects on Tuesday.
The Berhampur police also disclosed that initial findings suggest Bhabani Sankar is a fraudulent doctor lacking a legitimate homeopathy degree.
An investigation is underway to verify the primary accused's medical credentials and qualifications.