On May 24, Rubeda Shaikh visited Sion Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra for treatment. Before entering, she felt ill and decided to rest in the hospital compound for a while. During this time, the Head of Forensic Medicine, Dr. Rajesh Dere, accidentally ran over her with his vehicle. To cover up the incident, he admitted her to the emergency department, claiming she had felt dizzy, blacked out, and fallen.
During treatment, Rubeda Shaikh was declared dead, and her body was sent for post-mortem. It was later handed over to her son for the last rites.
Dr. Rajesh Dere attempted to mislead the police about the cause of Rubeda Shaikh’s death, claiming she had fallen on her own. However, after an investigation, the police discovered that Dr. Dere had run over her, only realizing it after a security guard alerted him. To protect himself, he had her admitted to the hospital. Several witnesses saw the incident and provided statements to the police, confirming that the senior doctor had run his vehicle over her. There is also clear CCTV footage of the incident.
Initially, Dr. Dere told the hospital staff that the woman felt giddy, fell down and blacked out, necessitating hospitalization.
Police Department
According to the charge sheet, Rubeda Shaikh’s body was sent for forensic examination, including a necropsy and autopsy performed by a committee of doctors from JJ Hospital. The examination was also video-graphed. The report indicated broken ribs and several injuries all over her body, which caused her death.
They say Dr. Dere did not cooperate with them during questioning. Police later obtaine CTV camera footage from the hospital, which clearly showed the doctor running her over with his car.
Police Department
Dr. Rajesh Dere was charged under Section 177 (providing false information to a public servant), Section 304(A) (death by negligence), Section 279 (rash or negligent driving), and Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by an act that endangers the life or safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act (dangerous driving). He was arrested and later released on bail.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
