Mumbai: Kalwa Medical College Professor Sentenced For Three Years For Multiple Molestation Cases

Ten years after his arrest, Dr. Shaileshwar Natarajan, a senior professor at Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, has been convicted in multiple molestation cases registered against him a decade ago. The Judicial Magistrate First Class court has sentenced him to three vears of rigorous imprisonment for molestation and one year for ourraging the modesty of women, along with a fine of Rs 50,000 Natarajan was arrested by Kalwa Police in 2014 and subsequently suspended.

However, he was reinstated as Acting Dean in 2016 following a departmental inquiry where Thane Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal gave him a clean chit, albeit with a demaotion. According to the prosecution, Natarajan exploited his position while teaching MBES students, inappropriately touching female students and staff onthe pretext of medieal instruction.

Victims testified that he compelled female students to demonstrate breast selfexaminations in class and used medical explanations as a cover to touch female patients improperly.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Murlidhar Chandrakant Karkar, who led the investigation, noted the significant hurdles victims face in molestation cases. "We gathered statements from over 20 women who courageously testified against the accused. Some of them even returned from their hometowns after completing their MBBS to appear in court and ensure justice,” ACP Karkar stated.

Victims revealed that Natarajan would grab them by their ID badges, touch their breasts under the guise of teaching, and pull them uncomfortably close. The hospital's vigilance committee, which investigated the matter, heard depositions from 35 women. These findings were crucial in building the case against Natarajan.

‘When questioned, Natarajan claimed his actions were part of his teaching methods, denying any intent to outrage the modesty of women. However, the court found these explanations unconvincing. After his arrest, Natarajan spent four to six months in custody before being released on bail. A charge sheet was filed within 60 days of his arrest, bolstered by the vigilance committee’s findings and police evidence.

This conviction marks a rare triumph for victims of sexual harassment in academic and medical institutions, showcasing the determination of those who brought Natarajan to justice despite institutional hurdles.