Hospital Administrator Detained following Claims of Sexual Assault by Employee at Bengal's Super Specialty Medical Center
In a shocking turn of events, Zahir Abbas Khan, the facility manager of Panskura Super Speciality Hospital in West Bengal, was arrested on Monday following a rape allegation. The incident occurred at the hospital premises on Sunday night, September 14.
The survivor, a female contractual medical staffer, accused Khan of threatening her with dire consequences if she told anyone about the assault. Multiple women working at the hospital have come forward with similar allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by Khan, spanning over four to five years.
The protests that followed have prompted political leaders across party lines to demand a full investigation and strict punishment if the allegations are proven true. The protests, which took place outside the hospital on Tuesday, have also renewed calls for institutional accountability in the healthcare sector.
Rights groups and medical associations are demanding not only justice for the survivor but also systemic reforms to protect female healthcare workers in government institutions. Local BJP leaders have alleged that Khan had enjoyed political protection in the region.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh distanced the ruling party from the incident and called for a thorough police investigation. The medical superintendent of the hospital, however, denied knowledge of prior complaints about Khan's behavior. Earlier complaints about Khan's behavior were allegedly ignored by hospital authorities.
The case has revived memories of the rape and murder of a female doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. In the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital case, former Kolkata Police civic volunteer Sanjay Roy was sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressed solidarity with the victims and claimed that his party's protests contributed to Khan's arrest. Khan, upon being taken into custody, claimed innocence and called the charges "a conspiracy".
The superintendent of Panskura Super Speciality Hospital expressed outrage at the allegations against Zahir Abbas Khan. Investigations are ongoing, and it is hoped that the truth will come to light soon, bringing justice to the victim and ensuring the safety and dignity of all healthcare workers.
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