A Greater Manchester paediatrician has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old-boy and possessing indecent images of children.
Raza Laskar 31, of Ashton-under-Lyne, is currently in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court today.
The junior doctor is charged with two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images of children.
On Friday May 2, as part of an ongoing operation, Laskar was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children after police raided an address in Ashton-under-Lyne that day.
He was further arrested on May 22 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child following a review of computers and other items recovered during the warrant.
Divisional Commander of Tameside, Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball, said: “As part of a fairly large and ongoing investigation into the access of indecent images of children over the internet a paediatric doctor has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images of children.
“We know this man has worked in hospitals right across Greater Manchester and we understand the public will undoubtedly be concerned upon hearing about the offences with which he has been charged.
“However, it is important to stress that at this moment in time our investigation is focusing on locating anyone who may have come into contact with this man over the internet as opposed to through his employment.”
Chief Superintendent Ball added that police are working through numerous computers and other electronic items as part of the investigation, which she said is ‘very much in its infancy’.
A spokesperson for NHS England (Greater Manchester) said: “We are working with the Police to assist them with their enquiries.”
Anyone with information relevant to the police investigation is asked to call the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 8797.
Image courtesy of Churl, with thanks.
