In yet another appalling incident reported from the national capital, a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre and Hospital in Chhatarpur by a 19-year-old man who was also being treated for the coronavirus infection in the same ward.

The centre's management apparently informed the police regarding the incident on July 16. An investigating official reportedly stated, "The youth started chatting casually with the girl near the bathroom late at night on July 15. He asked his 20-year-old friend to stand guard to warn him in case someone came to that side while he was committing the crime. After the traumatic experience, the girl quietly went to sleep. Later, she discussed the incident with some friends, who informed the doctors at the centre. Police were called after the matter came to the notice of the management. The patients reside in a common area where the beds are placed at a distance. Rooms have been built for miscellaneous works outside this area. Between them are the toilets and bathrooms. This is where the sexual assault took place."

The accused has been moved to a different Covid facility and placed under judicial custody. A case has been booked against the man under section 375 (rape) of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The victim's statement will reportedly be taken when she recovers from the illness.