Bathwal is a resident of Ballygunge Place in south Kolkata. His wife, a co-accused, was booked under Section 307 (attempt to murder) after she allegedly tried to set the maid on fire. The police are yet to trace her.

“The accused has been remanded in judicial custody. However, we are trying to get police custody. Bathwal’s wife against whom there are charges of attempt to murder is still absconding. Section 376 of the IPC was also filed against the doctor since there was a cheating angle to it,” said Rajesh Subarno, DC South.

The victim, in her mid-20s, is a resident of Jaynagar. On Thursday night she lodged a complaint with the Gariahat police station saying the doctor had promised to marry her and began her sexual exploitation. When she confided in the doctor’s wife, Sumitra Bathwal, on Thursday evening, a heated argument ensued. Sumitra allegedly tried to set the woman on fire but she managed to escape. Later in the night, the maid lodged a complaint.