Bengaluru: A 64-year-old private doctor in Byadarahalli, Ramanagara Rural, was arrested for allegedly hugging and kissing a 27-year-old homemaker who had come to him complaining of acute headache on Tuesday night.

The police said Dr Shivaraj of Byadarahalli was booked under IPC 354A (sexual harassment). After serving as a government doctor for over 30 years, Shivaraj had opened a clinic in Anjananagar, police said.

As news of the arrest spread, around 200 residents of Byadarahalli, Tavarekere and surrounding villages rushed to Byadarahalli police station on Wednesday, describing him as a gentleman, known for his healing touch. Police produced the doctor before a local court in Ramanagara and he was released on bail.

The woman, a resident of Byadarahalli and mother of a 2-year-old child, had gone to the clinic alone.