Nagpur: Forensic Medicine Head Found Guilty of Sexual Harassment
Internal Complaints Committee Investigation
The Head of the Forensic Medicine Department at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital (IGGMC), also known as Mayo Hospital, has been found guilty of sexually harassing a first-year female postgraduate medico. This conclusion was reached by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) following a thorough fact-finding inquiry. The 14-member committee determined that the allegations made by three junior resident doctors, including one female doctor, were “true, serious, and constituted sexual harassment.”
Recommendations for Action
In light of its findings, the committee has recommended that the senior professor be removed from the institution to guarantee a safe environment for the complainants. The situation has garnered significant attention, particularly after Medic Helpline reported that the professor was booked following the registration of an FIR based on the medico’s complaint.
Details of the Allegations
The FIR details that the postgraduate medico accused the professor of mental torment, inappropriate gestures, and offering undue favors over a nine-month period. She stated that upon refusing his advances, the professor insulted and threatened her, including attempts to cancel her postgraduate seat. The harassment allegedly persisted until she could no longer endure it and decided to approach the police.
Timeline of the Harassment
The complainant reported that the harassment began between February 3 and November 19, 2025. During this period, the professor reportedly troubled her at work, frequently summoning her to his cabin, where he would insist she sit close to him and speak softly, which made her uncomfortable.
Specific Incidents of Misconduct
In one troubling instance, the professor allegedly asked her to remove her apron while he examined her synopsis. He also instructed her to come to work in a “special manner,” which she found demeaning. The complainant detailed that whenever she refused to comply with his requests, he would publicly scold and belittle her, warning her that he could jeopardize her career.
Unprofessional Behavior During Procedures
The doctor further alleged that the professor made unsolicited remarks about her clothing and makeup, and he reportedly touched her inappropriately during an autopsy procedure in front of other medical professionals. She insisted that she is not the only victim, as three other junior doctors have experienced similar harassment.
Evidence Collected During Investigation
During the investigation, the ICC found evidence supporting the complainant’s claims, including CCTV footage capturing the professor placing his hand on her back during an evening autopsy on November 7. The footage revealed the doctor’s visible discomfort with the professor’s actions.
Committee Findings and Recommendations
The ICC conducted its investigation from November 24 to December 4 and submitted a confidential report to Dean Dr. Ravi Chavhan on December 4. The report also recommended the establishment of a separate high-level inquiry committee for issues beyond the ICC’s scope. The panel reviewed an audio clip provided by the complainant, which included alleged inappropriate remarks made by the Head of Department.
According to sources, the ICC concluded that such comments, made by a male educator to a female student regarding academic work, fall under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Additionally, the committee noted concerns regarding pressure on the junior doctor to refuse a particular guide, undocumented changes in autopsy duty rosters, and observable stress and behavioral shifts in the complainant.