Child sexual abuse: Police file case against popular talk show doctor

The police have registered a case against an eminent psychologist from the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for allegedly sexually abusing a minor boy.

The accused has been identified as Dr K Girish, an assistant professor of psychology at the Medical College, who is known for making appearances on channel talk shows to offer psychological advice.

The case was filed after the 13-year-old's parents filed complaints to the Kerala Chief Minister, the state police chief and the city commissioner, alleging that no action has been taken, though several days have passed since they lodged a complaint with the local police station.

The incident happened when the boy and his parents visited Dr Girish's private clinic for counselling earlier this month on the directions of the boy's school teachers, who suspected he had learning disability, according to reports.

"We took our son to Girish's clinic on August 14 as directed by the school. After speaking to us for a while, he had our son alone in his room for around 20 minutes. When our son came out, he looked shaken. Later at home, he broke down and told us about the abuse. Girish kissed him several times and also touched his private parts. We immediately contacted childline, who informed the matter to the Thampanoor police the next day," says the boy's mother in the complaint filed to the commissioner.

However, the case was handed over to Fort police station a day later as the incident happened within its limits. Though they recorded the boy's father's statement, there was pressure on the family to reach a compromise, according to the complaint.

It is understood that the law forbids doctors who practice at Medical Colleges from running private clinics. However, Girish's even has a website in which he has advertised his clinic.

• Sexual abuse
• Child abuse