J&K's AAP lone MLA Mehraj Malik booked for intimidating Doda woman doctor

The Doda police have registered an FIR against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik for alleged defamation, criminal intimidation, and insulting the modesty of a woman doctor.

The FIR was lodged following a complaint by an associate professor at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Doda. She alleged that the MLA used social media platforms to publicly issue threats and make abusive, gendered and derogatory remarks against her.

In her complaint filed at the Doda police station, the doctor cited instances of criminal intimidation, gendered abuse, and threats to hospital security by the Doda MLA.

“In a series of deeply disturbing instances, Malik has used social media platforms to publicly issue threats and make abusive, gendered and derogatory remarks against me. Phrases such as ghaseetunga (I will drag you) and ‘will strip you naked’ have been used openly and maliciously,” she stated in the complaint.

“These are not mere words — they are direct threats to my dignity, safety and professional integrity as a female doctor serving in a government hospital. These words clearly outrage the modesty of a female public servant, that too on social media,” she added.

The complainant urged the police to take cognisance of the repeated use of derogatory language against her by the accused in his live videos on social media. “What is even more painful is his taunt — ‘This hospital doesn’t belong to your father’ — a statement that not only reflects arrogance but also extreme insensitivity, considering the fact that my father passed away more than 12 years ago,” she said.

Furthermore, the MLA allegedly entered the labour room, accompanied by his associates, while streaming live on social media. “This is a gross violation of patient privacy, especially for female staff and patients in vulnerable conditions,” she stated.

The Jammu Doctors Forum (JDF), led by president Dr Dushyant Chowdhry, condemned what they called the reprehensible actions of AAP J&K chief Malik, criticising his “brazen attempts to intimidate doctors, particularly women doctors, and destabilise the hard-earned healthcare infrastructure in Doda.”

In a statement, the Forum said, “His actions are an affront to the sanctity of medical services and a direct threat to the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals serving the people of J&K.”

The Forum also urged district authorities to strengthen the existing FIR against Malik by including Section 351(2) of the BNS-2023, which pertains to criminal intimidation by threatening public servants in the lawful discharge of their duties.