Police are also actively tracing how the doctor's phone reached the 50-year-old complainant, and her statement will be recorded to clarify the transfer of digital evidence.
Kochi City police have initiated procedures to issue a lookout circular against Dr Johnson K. Varghese, a 41-year-old doctor booked for alleged sexual assault. Police intensified their search as the doctor went into hiding, with reports suggesting he is attempting to obtain anticipatory bail. Senior officers confirmed that the circular aims to prevent him from fleeing the country. Following his booking, the hospital in Kochi where he was employed dismissed him from service.
Phone videos reveal wider abuse allegations
Police registered the assault case at Infopark station on Friday after a 50-year-old female patient filed a complaint. She alleged that the doctor befriended her during treatment, administered alcohol and intoxicants, and sexually assaulted her at a hotel near Kakkanad. When the complainant handed over the doctor's phone to investigators, police found visuals allegedly showing him abusing at least 12 women. Officers have opened a separate inquiry to determine how the phone came into her possession and plan to record her statement.
Extortion complaint triggers parallel investigation
The sexual assault complaint emerged shortly after an earlier extortion case registered by the doctor himself. On Thursday, Kadavanthra police arrested film actors Athulya Chandra (32) and Bibin Perumbilly (42), along with assistant K.B. Vishnu (31). Dr Varghese had alleged that the trio summoned him to a flat for emergency medical care, threatened him, and robbed him of valuables worth ₹3.25 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh. The sexual assault complainant is a relative of one of the arrested individuals.
The Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court has rejected the bail applications of Athulya Chandra, Bibin Perumbilly, and Vishnu. The magistrate accepted police submissions that the investigation is at an initial stage, allowing officers to seek custody for interrogation. Police are also pursuing five more suspects linked to the assault on the doctor.
Meanwhile, police seized a scooter used to transport Athulya Chandra to a Ponnurunni apartment. Investigators are actively tracing how the doctor's phone reached the 50-year-old complainant, and her statement will be recorded to clarify the transfer of digital evidence.
Published: 08 Nov 2026, 10:04 am IST
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