22-year-old mentally ill woman alleges sexual assault at Kota Hospital, sweeper booked

When the woman did not return, her mother and brother — who were in the hospital — tried to enter the toilet but found it locked. They knocked repeatedly and when the door was opened, they caught hold of the sweeper and handed him over to the hospital guards, police said.

The woman is yet to record her statement before a magistrate, the SHO said, adding that action against the accused would be initiated after that.

Meanwhile, the head of the Psychiatric Department at NMCH B S Shekhawat said the matter was brought to his knowledge on Monday and he held a meeting of senior hospital officials to discuss the action needed to be taken.

Directions will be issued making it mandatory for a female staffer to accompany a female patient going to the toilet. It will also be ensured that no male from the cleaning staff is present in toilets meant for women while a female patient is inside, he said.