UP: Teen in ICU raped by five hospital employees

A minor was allegedly gang-raped in the ICU of a private hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly town.

The victim, who had been admitted to the hospital after being bitten by some poisonous insect, was on oxygen as she had difficulty in breathing, according to the police sources.

The culprits, who were hospital staff, allegedly administered some sedative to the victim and blindfolded her, before sexually assaulting her on Thursday, sources said.

Other patients in the ICU did not know of the assault as the victim's bed was covered by curtains from all sides.

The victim could not tell her father and others, who came to meet her at the ICU, as she was unable to speak. ''She tried to tell us with signs but we could not understand,'' said one family member.

The matter came to light after the victim narrated the incident after being shifted to the general ward from the ICU on Saturday.

Sources said that five hospital employees, including the ward boys, allegedly gang-raped her.

A case has been registered against the five accused at Subhash Nagar police station in the town and a hunt is on to nab them. The offenders are currently absconding.

The hospital management, however, refuted the allegation but the police said that they had launched an investigation and sent the girl for medical examination. The cloths of the victim were also sent for forensic examination, sources said.