New Delhi: A case has been registered at Delhi’s IGI Airport Police Station against Dr. Joji John, Joint Secretary (East Zone) of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), following allegations made by a woman physiotherapist who claims that a professional mentorship relationship gradually turned into an emotionally and personally exploitative association.
According to the FIR registered on June 4, 2026 (FIR No. 0241), the complainant has accused Dr. John of offences under Sections 69, 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to sexual intercourse by deceitful means, sexual harassment and insult to the modesty of a woman.
As per the complaint, the two first connected through Facebook Messenger in August 2025, when Dr. John allegedly introduced himself as a senior professional who could guide her career, help her build professional networks and create opportunities within the physiotherapy fraternity.
The complainant has alleged that what began as professional interactions gradually evolved into personal and emotional conversations. She claims that she was repeatedly assured of professional growth, recognition and support, including promises of assistance in obtaining positions within professional bodies, opportunities for lectures and publications, and help in establishing a clinical practice.
The FIR further states that the complainant became emotionally attached to the accused and relied on the assurances allegedly given to her regarding her professional future. She has also alleged that Dr. John represented himself as emotionally committed to her despite being legally married, while claiming that he had been living separately from his wife.
According to the complaint, the accused later arranged flight tickets for her travel from Ahmedabad to Delhi and back, and she met him in person in Delhi on March 27, 2026.
The complainant has alleged that the promises and assurances were ultimately used to gain her trust and obtain sexual and personal favours under the guise of mentorship and career support.
Speaking to the media ahead of a planned press conference, the complainant claimed that certain aspects of her allegations were not reflected in the FIR despite having informed the investigating officer. She alleged that she believes something was administered to her without her knowledge during the course of events, a claim she says was conveyed to police but was not recorded in the FIR.
The complainant further stated that the incident and subsequent developments had a severe impact on her mental health.
“I went into depression after the incident and the events that followed. It took me time to recover and gather the courage to come forward. Now that I am feeling stronger, I want to speak publicly and seek justice. I want a fair investigation and appropriate action in the matter,” she said.
The complainant is expected to address a press conference in New Delhi where she plans to share additional details regarding the case and discuss issues that, according to her, are not fully reflected in the FIR.
The allegations are currently under investigation. No findings of guilt have been made, and the accus