Indian-origin Doctor Linked to 118 Sexual Offences Denies Charges

Manish Shah, the London-based Indian-origin doctor who was charged with 118 sexual offences, appeared in a UK court and denied all charges.

Shah, 47, of Brunel Close, Romford, was accused of sexually assaulting 54 people, including a 13-year-old girl, at his practice at Havering in London between 2004 and 2013.

He is charged with 65 counts of assault by penetration, 52 counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault on a child under 13, the Metropolitan Police said, BBC reported.

Shah he denied all the charges when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on August 31.

He was granted bail on the condition that he will not attend his former surgery. He was also told not to contact any current or former patients or any past or current employee.

Judge Richard Hawgood granted bail ahead of his plea, and said: “I hear what your indication is. These are matters that can only be dealt with in the crown court, or they are matters that are linked to matters that can only be heard at crown court.”

Shah has also been barred from practising as a doctor. He cannot access any NHS medical records either. Shah, a family planning specialist, came under the investigation authorities’ radar when many people approached the police in July and August 2013. A probe was subsequently launched into him.

Shah trained at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, and qualified in 1993.

His case will now be heard at Snaresbrook crown court on September 27.

(With inputs from IANS)