Dr Khuroo Reveals Alarming Case Tied to Sexual Abuse, Serious Infections; Citizens Call for Protection, Awareness
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): In a disturbing disclosure, prominent gastroenterologist and former SKIMS Director, Dr Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, has exposed a deeply troubling case of alleged sexual abuse involving a Kashmiri minor — raising concerns over unreported exploitation by imposters posing as spiritual healers.
According to Dr Khuroo, a 17-year-old boy first visited his clinic in 2007 with complaints of rectal bleeding. Medical tests, including colonoscopy, revealed extensive anal ulcerations, narrowing of the rectum, and polyp-like lesions — signs consistent with chlamydial proctitis, a condition usually linked to anal sexual transmission. Notably, other sections of the digestive tract appeared normal.
At the time, the teenager denied any history of sexual exposure. But during treatment, he developed severe hepatitis A, which progressed to acute liver failure and required intensive care. The boy eventually recovered — but the full truth would only emerge years later.
In a recent follow-up, the individual reportedly confessed to having been lured and repeatedly abused by a person masquerading as a spiritual healer. Dr Khuroo warned that the perpetrator could have similarly targeted multiple minors, calling the case “a tip of the iceberg.”
He stressed that such abuse can lead to life-threatening infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV-related proctitis, all of which can have long-lasting physical and mental health consequences.
Dr Khuroo also explained that Hepatitis A, typically spread through contaminated food or water, may also transmit via oral sexual practices — citing a previous outbreak in Kashmir suspected to have spread through this route.
“This case demands immediate attention. Our silence only empowers such predators,” he urged. “Society must prioritise awareness, early detection, medical intervention, and strong legal action to protect vulnerable children.”
Public Reactions: Wake-up Call for the Community
The d2isclosure has triggered an outpouring of public concern on social media.
One user, Basharat Rehman, wrote: “Thank you, sir, for shedding light on a horrific yet hidden issue. This isn’t just a medical case — it’s a wake-up call for society. We need vigilance, education, and strict measures to shield our children.”
Another, Altaf Hakeem, noted, “We’ve noticed rising cases of anal and oral cancers in some regions. There’s a need to investigate links with HPV and promote preventive vaccination.”
Commentator Shabir Wani added, “Predators thrive in silence, often hiding behind religion or fake spirituality. If this happened in 2007, one fears how many more cases have gone unreported.”
Nirdoah Safaya called Dr Khuroo’s disclosure “an eye-opener,” urging widespread publication of such findings to educate youth and families about the dangers of blind trust and silence.
Several other voices echoed similar sentiments, demanding urgent institutional safeguards, psychosocial support for survivors, and community-level education on child protection and sexual health.(DD)