Dentist Accused Of Indecently Assaulting Female Patient
WORCESTER (CBS) - The sign on the door indicated that the office of Worcester dentist Nikhilkumar Patel was closed Tuesday -- but it didn't say why.
But it was because he was in court entering a 'not guilty' plea to charges that he indecently assaulted a female patient.
The dentist's family was by his side. "I don't believe it," says patient Amarnauth Sewsankar. "I've known him for 15 years. He's a calm, cool and soft-spoken guy."
But Monday morning, a 35-year-old woman told police the dentist touched her breast four different times during an office visit -- prompting her to climb from the dental chair and make a hasty exit.
"He's saddened about the serious charges this patient has made," says Hector Pineiro, Patel's defense attorney.
Patel has practiced for more than 25 years without a blemish on his disciplinary record. But when yesterday's victim went to police, they promptly questioned and arrested the 54-year-old dentist.
His Lincoln Street office primarily serves poor patients, and one told us she wasn't buying it.
"I'm really confused," says Gabriella Cruz, who has an appointment set for next week. "He's really a sweet guy. He makes everyone feel very comfortable and at home. That's the reason I enjoy coming to this dentist."
Patient Amarnauth Sewsankar says Dr. Patel's exam rooms have cameras.
"Small cameras right there on the wall -- directly on the patient," he says. "Maybe they can give some clues."
It is unclear at this point if there is video of the incident -- or if police have recovered it.
"I'm not going to speculate," says defense lawyer Pineiro. "All I can tell you is that my client denies the charges."
Prosecutors say the woman is now very afraid of Patel, so a judge ordered him to stay away from her while he remains free on a thousand dollar's bail.
Prosecutors are now waiting to see if any other women come forward with similar allegations.
