The woman, in her mid-20s, is a resident of Belethakuri in Jaynagar. She had been working at the Bathwals' 18, Ballygunge Place home for the past five years.

On Thursday night, she lodged a complaint at the Gariahat police station, saying the doctor had promised her marriage and sexually exploited her. When she confided the issue with his wife, Sumitra Bathwal, on Thursday evening, a heated argument ensued. Sumitra allegedly tried to set the women on fire but she managed to escape. Sumitra then called the locals for help.

When the police arrived at 8:30 pm, it appeared that a fire accident had occurred in the flat and a fire tender had to be called in.

Later in the night, the woman appeared at the police station and lodged a complaint. Bathwal has been booked under Section 376 (rape) and both he and his wife have been booked under Section 307 (attempt to murder).

“When we reached the spot after getting the news of fire, we did not find the maid. She appeared later in the police station and we went and arrested the doctor,” said a senior police officer.