Hundreds of tribals in Malda staged a demonstration and blocked a highway on Friday, alleging that a woman from their community had been assaulted at a private nursing home in the district.

Police had to convince the demonstrators, who were carrying bows, arrows and bamboo sticks, to withdraw the blockade and clear the highway to resume traffic movement.

Sources said the 30-year-old tribal woman had been working in the housekeeping department of the private nursing home for the past nine months.

“Around 3am on Friday while working the night shift, she fell sick and was resting in a room for a while. At that time, one of the owners of the establishment, who is also a doctor, saw her and turned furious. He abused her verbally and kicked her in her abdomen. She fell sick further and later she was taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital for treatment,” said a woman employee of the hospital.

As the news spread, hundreds of tribals reached the nursing home in the Old Malda area of the district and demonstrated in front of it. They blocked the Malda-Nalagola state highway in protest.

The woman, who alleged assault, filed a complaint at Malda police station.

“We have received a written complaint. The matter will be investigated and suitable action will follow,” said Malda superintendent of police Pradeep Kumar Yadav.

The accused doctor could not be contacted.