The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended an Associate Professor from BYL Nair Hospital following allegations of sexual harassment against a female medical student.
The suspension came after a series of internal investigations, which eventually led to the case being transferred to the BMC headquarters. The Savitribai Phule Stree Resources Centre now handles the investigation.
The BMC stated that further actions will depend on the complete investigation report. The Associate Professor will remain suspended until the probe concludes.
The issue began in March when the Associate Professor, who had summoned the student, questioned her about her sports activities. Days later, he called her to his office and touched her inappropriately, claiming to check for lymph node swelling. He also made inappropriate comments about her appearance.
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Distressed, the student first confided in her friends and classmates before filing a formal complaint in April. An internal committee at the hospital reviewed the case and confirmed the allegations in August. They recommended the Associate Professor’s transfer, a halt to his increments for a year, and restrictions on his interaction with the student until her studies were complete.
The committee also criticized the hospital management for being ‘unfortunate and insensitive,’ accusing them of creating obstacles and failing to support the case.
Following these findings, the Associate Professor was removed from teaching duties and assigned administrative work. The BMC has now suspended him and is reviewing additional harassment complaints for a thorough and transparent investigation.
A senior professor in a BMC medical college welcomed the suspension, stating it would send a strong message to potential predators. This action comes amid ongoing concerns about women’s safety and recent high-profile cases in Maharashtra and Kolkata.