Kozhikode: The Human Rights Commission has found lapses on the part of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) authorities in conducting and reporting the medical examination of the survivor in the ICU rape case. This finding was detailed in the investigation report submitted by the Commission’s inquiry wing, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP).

The report highlighted that Dr Preethi, a senior resident at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, failed to adhere to the proper protocols during the medical examination. It also pointed out discrepancies between Dr Preethi’s statements and the survivor's account of the incident, suggesting that the examination was conducted without understanding the seriousness of the case.

Despite the survivor disclosing the sexual assault to Dr Preethi, the police and the magistrate, Dr Preethi reportedly trivialised these revelations in her documentation. The findings from the survivor’s physical examination were not accurately recorded in the report, and there were failures in documenting related evidence. The report also noted that Dr Preethi conducted the examination without reading the police application requesting the medico-legal examination, further indicating a lack of awareness regarding the gravity of the complaint.

The investigation acknowledged that Dr Preethi was experienced in conducting medico-legal examinations. However, as the survivor’s statement was recorded in English, the survivor could not identify discrepancies during the verification process. This issue was also highlighted in the inquiry report.

The DySP's report to the Human Rights Commission recommended that appropriate action be taken if lapses are confirmed based on the ongoing investigation led by Northern Region IG Sethuraman. 

The report also suggested appointing senior doctors for examinations in such sensitive cases and ensuring that statements are recorded in the complainant's language and read back to them for verification.

The incident occurred on March 18, 2023, when a young woman undergoing thyroid surgery was allegedly assaulted in the post-operative ICU. The accused, an attendant named Sasindran, was identified in the complaint.