CT Pediatrician Accused Of Slapping Patient's Butt During Appointment: Reports

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich pediatrician accused of slapping a female patient’s butt during an appointment in early May was recently arrested, according to media reports.

Ravi Prakash, 61, of Prakash Pediatrics in Norwich has been charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor, according to media reports and the state’s judicial branch website.

According to NBC Connecticut, police said the patient’s mom reported bringing her daughter to an appointment with Prakash to have a rash examined. After examining the rash, the mom saw Prakash slap the girl’s butt with an open hand, she told police.

The mom also said she did not say anything in the moment because she was in shock, and the girl also told her mom after the appointment she felt uncomfortable about the interaction, NBC Connecticut reports.

The Hartford Courant reports Prakash told police he inadvertently made contact with the girl while making a “dismissed motion” with his hand. He also said he did not think much about the contact and that the girl’s mother did not say anything and even booked a follow-up appointment.

The mother later presented police with a recording she said she took of Prakash while asking for her child’s medical records, in which a man she told police was Prakash said he “was playing” and that he “did it as a friendly gesture” when referring to the interaction with the child, the Courant reports.

A request for comment from Prakash’s attorney was not immediately returned Friday.

Attorney Dado Coric, who represents Prakash, told CT Insider his client accidentally brushed up against the juvenile’s buttocks. He also noted Prakash “has some language issues” and was trying to get across to the mother that the incident was inadvertent and not purposeful.

CT Insider reports Coric also pointed out Prakash is “a well-known and respected pediatrician” who has been practicing for 27 years and has never had any issues like this in the past. Prakash is still currently practicing, according to Coric.

Online court records show that Prakash was charged on June 28, and that he posted a $50,000 bond. He was scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Norwich on Thursday and is scheduled to appear again in court later this month.

See also: Pediatrician Charged With Sexual Assault, Risk Of Injury: Reports

The state judicial website lists fourth-degree sexual assault as a “Class A misdemeanor,” while risk of injury is considered a “Class C felony.”

According to the doctor’s website, it states: “Dr. Prakash has 27 years of experience in pediatric practice, including 20 years caring for children here in Norwich, Connecticut. With such an established record of excellence, you can be sure that your kids are in experienced, capable hands.”

Prakash Pediatrics is located at 124 New London Turnpike in Norwich.