On August 26, 2024, Arkansas State Police arrested Dr. Sudesh Banaji of Forrest City following an investigation into allegations that Banaji had made inappropriate sexual contact with female patients during examinations at his Forrest City Clinic located at 332 East Cook Street. Banaji faces seven felony charges, including six counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of rape.
According to media reports, officials with the Arkansas State Police said 60-year-old Dr. Banaji was booked into the Cross County Detention Center on a $35,000 bond and released after just an hour and a half. According to Banaji's LinkedIn profile, he has been practicing internal medicine for over 20 years and is the managing partner of two Arkansas locations.
An alleged victim commented on the arrest,
"When I saw it (Banaji's arrest), I said they got that [explicative]. My legs were open, and he scooted his chair up to me while my shirt was down. And I pulled my shirt back up." She says the experience left her feeling violated and thinks his release on bail is a 'slap in the face.'
"It should have been higher than that. That's something all of us women have to deal with for the rest of our lives," said the alleged victim. "I mean, that's a slap on the wrist, and you bond out in two to three minutes? A person with a drug paraphernalia bond is higher than that," said the woman.
"Right now, it makes me sleep by myself," she said. "Yes, even though I'm married, I sleep by myself because I feel uncomfortable. And that's sad." "You might've thought that no one would turn you in, but it's over," said the alleged victim. "And to all the women that this also happened to, it's over. You don't have to worry about that anymore."
Finding the right medical provider can be challenging. We seek out seasoned professionals who possess a good bedside manner, compassion, and empathy. When patients finally decide on one, they hope to feel better over time and not be violated by the very person with whom we place our trust. Healthcare providers hold a position of power in the physician-patient relationship. It is both unacceptable and unlawful for a healthcare professional to touch a patient in any sexual manner or practice any sexual misconduct while treating the patient.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual misconduct claims against medical professionals on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched in their care. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.