Consultant struck off for predatory behaviour at Kingston Hospital
A tribunal found Dr Asis Kumar engaged in sexual harassment against a junior colleague over a four-month period.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Trust 66: named tribunal and direct MPTS report quotes give documented evidence, but only one outlet cited.
Higher is stronger
Critic 77: includes party quotes and clear specifics, yet omits broader impact explanation.
Higher is stronger
Hype 50: graphic detail adds sensational tone beyond essential facts.
Lower is better
Dr Asis Kumar, a consultant at Kingston Hospital, has been removed from the medical register following findings of sexual harassment against a junior colleague. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel concluded that Dr Kumar's actions between May and September 2021 constituted "very serious misconduct of a sexually predatory nature."
Tribunal findings
Russell Brand suspected of attacking at least 10 more women as police launch new rape probes
Met Police say two further rape allegations are being examined and warn additional victims may still come forward
The tribunal found that Dr Kumar kissed the colleague on the cheek, touched her stomach over her clothes, and pulled down her face mask. He also made inappropriate comments, including telling her "I will miss you so much" after she resigned and "I love your smell." On her last day, he pulled down her mask, pinched her cheek, placed his arm around her, and told her not to mention his hug due to Covid regulations. The tribunal noted that the colleague felt "very embarrassed and scared around him" and had difficulty sleeping and eating.
The MPTS report stated that Dr Kumar's words and actions were of a sexual nature, violating the colleague's dignity and creating an intimidating or hostile work environment. This was considered particularly serious given the disparity in age and Dr Kumar's senior position as a consultant.
Decision to strike off
Man charged with murder of partner in Wanstead
Kevin Bramley faces charges including murder, sexual assault, and coercive behaviour following the death of Lorena Ciupeanu in November 2022.
Representing Dr Kumar, barrister Scott Ivill suggested the proven conduct could be seen as an isolated episode in an otherwise unblemished career of over 40 years. However, the tribunal found Dr Kumar had "limited insight" into his behaviour. The panel decided to remove him from the medical register, citing an "ongoing level of risk to public protection."
Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Kingston Hospital, has been contacted for comment.
Questions this report answers
+Why was Dr Asis Kumar struck off the medical register?
Dr Asis Kumar was struck off the medical register by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service after it found he engaged in sexual harassment against a junior colleague at Kingston Hospital. The tribunal described his conduct as "very serious misconduct of a sexually predatory nature."
+What specific actions did Dr Kumar take?
Between May and September 2021, Dr Kumar kissed a female colleague, touched her stomach over her clothes, and pulled down her face mask. He also made inappropriate comments and engaged in physical contact, such as placing his arm around her and pulling her towards him.
+What was the reason given for striking him off?
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel cited an "ongoing level of risk to public protection" as the reason for striking Dr Kumar from the medical register. The tribunal also noted that he had "limited insight" into his actions.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Crime & Safety
Russell Brand suspected of attacking at least 10 more women as police launch new rape probes