Banihal: A gynaecologist at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal has been booked by police following allegations of sexual assault by a female patient inside his chamber on Tuesday afternoon.
MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, confirmed the incident on social media, stating that the doctor had been arrested after the complaint. “I immediately spoke to the Hon’ble Health Minister, Madam Sakina Itoo, and briefed her about the incident, strongly urging strict action against the erring doctor. The Hon’ble Minister has assured that exemplary action will be taken and such shameful acts will never be tolerated,” Shaheen said. He added that the dignity and safety of women would always remain a top priority in Banihal.
Meanwhile, DDC Councilor Banihal and senior Congress leader Imtiaz Ahmed Khanday said he met Health Secretary Syed Abid Rashid Shah in Srinagar, demanding the doctor’s suspension and strict action. “The Health Secretary assured immediate action,” Khanday added.
Later in the evening, the government issued an order suspending Dr. Girdhari Lal Manhas, Consultant Gynaecologist at SDH Banihal. According to Government Order No. 651-JK(HME) of 2025, signed by Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS, Secretary to the Government: “Pending inquiry into his conduct, Dr. Manhas is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect. During the suspension period, he shall remain attached with the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu.”
