UK court jails Indian-origin heart surgeon for sexual assaults and calling women 'shaggable'

Highlights:

• Dr. Amal Krishna Bose, 55, convicted of 12 sexual assault counts, sentenced to six years in prison by Preston Crown Court.
• Bose targeted five junior female staff between 2017–2022, creating a toxic, intimidating work environment.
• Victims described groping, crude remarks, and harassment, leading to trauma, anxiety, and some leaving their jobs.
• Prosecutors called Bose a predator who exploited his senior position; NHS suspended him following the investigation.
• The case highlights systemic failures at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where new staff were warned about his behavior in advance.

An Indian-origin heart surgeon, Dr Amal Krishna Bose (55) has been sentenced to six years in prison in the UK for sexually assaulting multiple female colleagues at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Lancashire, UK.

Bose abused his senior position as the head of the cardiovascular surgery department to sexually target five junior female staff members over a period spanning from 2017 to 2022. His conviction has taken a fall from being once a highly reputed surgeon to now being suspended by the National Health Service (NHS).

Multiple sexual assualts

During a trial held at Preston Crown Court, Bose was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault after a thorough investigation by Lancashire Police. Despite overwhelming evidence, Bose had claimed that his actions amounted to 'just flirting' and innocent 'workplace banter', a defence rejected by the court. The judge termed Bose a 'sexual predator hiding in plain sight,' given his respected status within the hospital.

The victims have testified how Bose repeatedly exploited his power to create a toxic and intimidating work environment where many felt powerless to speak out. Bose frequently made crude comments about female staff, often referring to them as 'fresh meat' and others as 'shaggable' in WhatsApp groups.

Testimonies revealed horrific episodes

According to the testimonies, Bose grabbed breasts, pulled down a woman's dress exposing her undergarments, and engaged in other inappropriate touching while dismissing his behavior as accidental or joking.

One victim described how Bose groped her as she helped him scrub in for surgery, while another recounted him resting his head on her shoulder, causing fear and damaging rumors. Another victim revealed that Bose touches her inappropriately so frequently that she altered her working house and eventually took sick leave to avoid him.

One victim suffered such trauma that she reported experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, self-harm, and night terrors. Several victims disclosed feeling isolated, vulnerable and ashamed, with some ultimately leaving their jobs.

Prosecution takes action, warns others

Senior Crown Prosecutor Sacha Coyne emphasized the gravity of Bose's abuse of trust and power, stating that the Crown Prosecution Service would not hesitate to prosecute perpetrators regardless of their social standing.

Detective Chief Inspector Kirsty Wyatt highlighted that Bose undermined the right of all employees to work in a safe and secure environment.

The court heard how the hospital was aware of Bose's behavior, which was formally known among staff. New employees were reportedly warned about him before joining the department. Bose's conviction is part of a disturbing pattern at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where several medical practitioners have faced criminal convictions in recent years.

Despite his professional reputation as a highly skilled surgeon, the judge described Bose's offenses as 'all the more tragic' due to the position of the trust to be held. Following the complaint investigations, Bose was suspended by the NHS trust, losing his medical career and professional standing.