In a shocking incident reported from a hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati, a lab technician allegedly took vaginal swabs to conduct the coronavirus test on a patient.

A 24-year-old woman went to the Covid Trauma Centre Lab in Amravati to get herself tested for the coronavirus infection after she found out that one of her colleagues had been diagnosed with the virus. The lab technician allegedly said to her that taking vaginal swabs for testing is important in order to get an accurate result. The woman complied and let him go ahead with his "process" but later informed her brother about the incident. Her brother consulted with a doctor and found out that no such test was required for the coronavirus infection. The woman then registered a complaint with the local police, who booked the lab technician under charges pertaining to rape. The police reportedly stated, "The accused person convinced the victim that vaginal swab was necessary for the COVID test. Later the victim realised that she has been cheated and she filed the police complaint. We have arrested the accused under Indian Penal Code Sections 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 376 (rape)."

The Maharashtra Women and child Development Minister Yashomati Thakur has reportedly promised strict action against the accused.