Pathanamthitta: The visuals of the accused who sexually abused a COVID patient in Aranmula apologizing to the victim after the incident forms a crucial evidence in the case, said Pathanamthitta SP K G Simon.

"The police was informed of the incident by 1 at night. The accused, a Kayamkulam native, was arrested by night itself. All evidences were collected by morning. The girl had recorded the video of the accused apologizing to her. This is a crucial evidence," K G Simon said.

Accused has criminal background

SP K G Simon said that a criminal case as per section 308 exists against Noufal, who sexually abused the girl. There is conspiracy behind the crime.

The ambulance started from Adoor. Though Panthalam was the next stop, he intentionally dropped the other patient in Aranmula first. The incident took place during the return journey.

The accused is in police custody at present. His arrest has been recorded and he was terminated from the job of ambulance driver.

Strict action against accused

Health minister K K Shailaja said that what happened in Aranmula was unexpected and sad. Strict action will be taken against the accused. The agency has been asked to terminate the driver from service. A detailed probe will be held into the incident.

A protocol exists to avoid taking more number of patients together. The girl was sent with other patients. The incident was unfortunate. More safety precautions will be taken in the coming days, she added.

Charge case against ambulance agency too

Meanwhile, Women's Commission chairperson M C Josephine stated that the sexual abuse against the COVID patient in ambulance was a brutal incident. Women patients should not be transported during night.

Strict action should be taken against the accused. Also, case should be charged against the agency that appointed a person with criminal background, she demanded.