Asian physio in Ireland accused of sexual harassment

AN ASIAN-ORIGIN physiotherapist based in Ireland has been accused of 18 separate allegations of professional misconduct by two of his women colleagues at a HSE centre, Irish Independent reports.

The physiotherapist, Sarath Divakaran, had reportedly engaged in inappropriate behaviour with the women while working at South Tipperary Therapy Services (STTS) in Clonmel between 2019 and 2022. He hails from India and came to Ireland in 2003.

During the fitness-to-practise inquiry of CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals, a woman healthcare worker broke down repeatedly while giving evidence. She claimed she was “terrified” by Divakaran's inappropriate behaviour.

She was distraught while recounting a series of interactions with Divakaran, including one incident where he placed his hand on her buttocks and attempted to kiss her.

Divakaran is also accused of harassing her by repeatedly calling into her office and asking for a hug and to go for lunch together.

Nine allegations relate to his conduct with her. She claimed she used to take frequent leaves and was terrified to go to the canteen.

Another colleague had made similar allegations against Divakaran, including touching her in her pubic area.

CORU counsel Neasa Bird BL said the complaints included claims of unwanted physical touching and comments of a sexual nature.

Divakaran admitted that he had sometimes crossed professional boundaries, but denied engaging in any harassment or conduct of a sexual nature.

The physiotherapist claimed his actions were “misinterpreted and gravely misunderstood”.

Complaints against Divakaran’s behaviour were initially made in November 2019 and dealt with informally by implementing a safety plan.

HSE had made arrangements to ensure that neither would work in the centre at the same time.

However, two years later formal complaints were made after it was claimed that he had breached the terms of the safety plan.

The inquiry heard that Divakaran was shocked when he first became aware of complaints about him five years ago.

He claimed he had been trying to be friendly and had later followed the safety plan. But he accepted that he had behaved unprofessionally and was sorry.

The first victim said she was dissatisfied with HSE’s handling of the matter and approached the High Court.