Mumbai: Bombay high court rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of a suspended KEM Hospital doctor who was booked for sexual harassmentof six women doctors. “There was a clear fear factor amongst female doctors, medical students, and female staff of the hospital. If he is granted pre-arrest bail, staying in the hospital quarter where the few victims are also residing, there is a likelihood that he will take revenge against all the complainant-victims, and there are high chances that he will repeat the same act,” said Justice Rajesh Patil on Thursday.Dr Ravindra Deokar, an additional professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, moved HC after the sessions court rejected his plea.His advocate said there was a huge delay in registering the FIR as offences were alleged to have been committed since 2021. The complainant’s advocate said Deokar taught the victims and was a paper checker. He heads many committees and is a member of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee. A 2021 POSH complaint was withdrawn by a doctor due to pressure from Deokar and superiors. She left the country and has now lodged a complaint by email.The prosecutor said seven statements were recorded, and medical students are coming forward to lodge complaints. Deokar’s interrogation is necessary. Justice Patil said considering the documents, it seems Deokar behaved inappropriately for a long time, taking advantage of his highly influential post. Victims were traumatised, feared their careers being affected, and the fact that no support was given to the POSH complainant.The April 21 complaint said Deokar inappropriately touched them. “Eventually, one has to consider the emotional and psychological harm which is caused to the victims who are pursuing their medical courses, and consider the safety in a workplace like a hospital morally and legally to protect women’s dignity, the present pre-arrest bail plea requires to be rejected,” said Justice Patil.