Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Asian physio in Ireland accused of sexual harassment

Sarath Divakaran had reportedly engaged in inappropriate behaviour with two women colleagues while working at South Tipperary Therapy Services

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.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less