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Charges Dropped Against Long Island Surgeon Accused of Strangling Nurse With Cord

A Long Island surgeon accused of assaulting a nurse at Nassau University Medical Center has been cleared of all charges.

A judge on Tuesday dropped strangulation charges against Venkatesh Sasthakonar, of Albertson, who was arrested in January for wrapping an elastic cord around a 51-year-old female nurse's neck.

The Nassau County district attorney's office said there was not enough evidence that any crime occurred.

Police said it happened after the two had a disagreement.

The 44-year-old doctor maintained his innocence, saying the nurse made the whole thing up. 

"I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed--disappointed in her," said Sasthakonar.

It wasn't clear if criminal charges would be brought against the nurse.

For Sasthakonar, who could return to work as early as Wednesday, justice has not yet been served. 

"Can I ever get my reputation back?" he asked in an interview with News 4. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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