Police: Surgeon strangled nurse at NUMC

Venkatesh Sasthakonar, a surgeon working at Nassau University Medical Center, was arrested on Jan. 22 after strangling a 51-year old female nurse, according to police.

A disagreement ensued between Sasthakonar, 44, of Albertson, and the nurse, after which he approached her from behind and wrapped an elastic cord around her neck. Sasthakonar left the hospital, only to return several hours later where he was placed into police custody without incident. The nurse was treated for her neck injuries.

Sashakonar is being charged with second-degree strangulation and third-degree assault. He was arraigned at the First District Court on Jan. 23.