Police investigating a high-profile assault case in Kochi have reportedly recovered private videos featuring around 12 women from the mobile phone of a doctor who is now facing a rape allegation. The discovery has added a serious new dimension to a case that initially came to light after the doctor accused a Malayalam actress and her associates of assaulting him and stealing valuables.
Investigators are examining the recovered material to determine whether the women were recorded without their consent and whether the footage was used to threaten or intimidate them. Police suspect that several of the women may have been patients of the doctor or relatives of people who sought medical treatment from him.
The doctor, identified as Johnson K. Varghese, is currently absconding, and police efforts to trace him are continuing. The allegations against him remain under investigation.
Rape Complaint Against Doctor Changes Course of Investigation
The case began when the doctor approached police alleging that he had been assaulted and robbed at a flat in Ponnurunni, Kochi, on November 2.
According to his complaint, he was called to the apartment on the pretext of providing medical assistance to a woman who was unwell. He alleged that a group of people confronted and assaulted him before taking away two expensive mobile phones and other valuables.
Police subsequently registered a case involving alleged assault, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and robbery. Twelve people were named in connection with the incident, and three people, including a Malayalam actress, were arrested.
However, the investigation took a dramatic turn after a woman related to the actress filed a rape complaint against the doctor at the Infopark police station.
The complainant alleged that the doctor gave her alcohol and drugs before sexually assaulting her. According to the complaint, the incident took place in October, and she had previously known the doctor through medical consultations.
The allegations prompted police to register a separate criminal case against him.
Investigators Examine Videos Involving Multiple Women
The recovered videos have become a significant part of the investigation. Police are examining the footage to establish the identities of the women and determine the circumstances in which the recordings were made.
Investigators are also looking into whether the doctor allegedly used alcohol or psychotropic substances to incapacitate women before sexually assaulting them. These suspicions have not yet been established as proven facts.
Police are further examining the possibility that the recordings could have been used for blackmail or intimidation. Officials have indicated that additional cases may be registered if other women come forward with complaints.
The discovery has raised concerns about the possible exploitation of women who may have trusted the doctor in a professional medical capacity. Investigators are working to establish whether the videos relate to consensual encounters, alleged offences or recordings made without the knowledge of the women involved.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed that all the women whose videos were reportedly recovered have filed complaints.
Police Search for the Absconding Doctor
Police have intensified efforts to locate Johnson K. Varghese, who reportedly went into hiding after the rape case was registered. Investigators are considering the possibility that he may attempt to leave the state or country, and steps are being taken to restrict his movement.
The probe is progressing on two parallel tracks: the alleged assault and robbery of the doctor, and the sexual assault allegations against him.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate the roles of the people arrested in the original case. The court has rejected the bail applications of the three arrested accused, citing the preliminary stage of the investigation and the need for further questioning.
More Complaints Could Lead to Further Cases
Investigators are seeking to establish the full extent of the suspected offences and determine whether other women may have been affected. The examination of the recovered digital material is expected to play an important role in that process.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against all those involved will have to be assessed through the legal process. Police have yet to establish whether the recovered recordings were connected to additional criminal offences.
The developments have transformed what began as an alleged assault and robbery into a wider investigation involving serious accusations of sexual violence, privacy violations and possible intimidation.
