Srinagar, July 19 (JKNS): Renowned gastroenterologist and former Director of SKIMS Soura, Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, has revealed a deeply disturbing case involving a 17-year-old boy linking rare medical findings to alleged prolonged sexual abuse by a fake healer in Kashmir.
In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Khuroo as per news agency JKNS said, wrote that the boy had first visited his clinic in 2007 with symptoms of rectal bleeding.
“Colonoscopy revealed extensive anal ulcerations, strictures, and polypoidal lesions suggestive of chlamydial proctitis,” he said, noting that the rest of the colon and terminal ileum appeared normal.
He shared, at the time, the teenager had denied any history of anal sexual exposure. However, while undergoing treatment, he developed severe hepatitis A that progressed to liver failure, requiring intensive care. He ultimately recovered.
“In a recent disclosure, the same individual admitted that he had been lured and repeatedly subjected to anal sex by a person posing as a spiritual healer,” Dr. Khuroo stated, adding that the alleged perpetrator may have targeted several other minors in a similar manner.
He warned that such abuse can lead to serious medical complications, including chlamydial, gonorrhoeal, syphilitic, and HIV-related proctitis. “These infections can severely compromise both physical and psychological health if not diagnosed and treated in time,” he said.
Dr. Khuroo further explained that while hepatitis A is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, it can also spread through oral sexual contact. He cited an earlier outbreak in Kashmir linked to oral transmission within a specific group.
“It remains unclear whether the boy in this case was also exposed to the virus through oral transmission,” he added.
Calling for immediate action, Dr. Khuroo urged society to break its silence around such issues. “We must protect our children from such offenders. Raising community awareness, ensuring early detection, and implementing prompt medical and legal interventions are crucial,” he stressed.
Reacting to the detailed medical disclosure by senior gastroenterologist Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, citizens across social media expressed concern, support, and calls for wider awareness regarding the issue of child abuse and its health consequences.
One Facebook user, Basharat Rehman, commented, “Thank you sir for sharing this deeply concerning case. It highlights not only the serious medical complications that can arise from sexual abuse, but also the urgent need for vigilance, education, and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially minors.”
He further added, “It is disturbing to learn about the alleged exploitation of children under the guise of healing. Such instances not only leave lasting physical trauma but also emotional and psychological scars. Raising awareness among families, healthcare professionals, and communities is crucial to ensure early detection and reporting of abuse.”
“I strongly support your efforts in documenting and investigating these cases. It’s a call for stronger safeguards, education on sexual health, and collaborative action between medical, legal, and social institutions to protect children and hold offenders accountable,” Basharat wrote in conclusion.
Another user, Altaf Hakeem, wrote: “Yes, we have seen a rise in oral cavity and anal canal cancers. This needs to be investigated. Causes are similar, and we did try to find HPV in these cases, especially in North Kashmir. It’s a documented fact in Western countries — which is why HPV vaccination is given as prophylactic therapy. We have discussed this in forums as well.”
Shabir Wani remarked, “In conservative societies, we often pretend these issues don’t exist. But predators thrive in such silences. They hide behind religion, fake healing, or authority. This boy’s physical scars have a visible diagnosis, but what about the hundreds who suffer in silence? If this happened in 2007, one shudders to think how complex and underreported such cases might be today.”
Another user, Nirdoah Safaya, termed Dr. Khuroo’s observations as “an eye-opener,” adding that the issue “needs to be widely published to let youngsters refrain from such practices. Your highlighting of this scourge is highly appreciated.”
Several other users also commented, drawing attention to the seriousness of the case, and urged wider public awareness, stronger institutional safeguards, and better protection of vulnerable children. (JKNS)
