Lucknow University Addresses ‘Love Jihad’ Controversy
Inquiry Committee Formed to Investigate Complaints
King George Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has taken steps to address the ongoing ‘Love Jihad’ controversy involving a senior resident doctor. The university has urged its staff to come forward with any similar complaints. A seven-member inquiry committee has been established, led by Dean (Paramedics) and senior surgery professor K K Singh, and has expanded to include former Uttar Pradesh DGP Bhavesh Singh. Notices have been posted in hostels, faculty areas, and outside classrooms to encourage anonymous reporting from complainants.
Allegations of Religious Conversion and Harassment
The committee is tasked with investigating allegations related to religious conversion and the potential involvement of other individuals connected to KGMU. On Thursday, the committee appealed to faculty and staff members to report any similar allegations against individuals associated with the university.
Details of the Case Against the Accused Doctor
According to reports from Medic Helpline, the accused doctor, who has been suspended and charged with serious offenses including sexual exploitation, blackmail, and coercing a colleague to convert her religion, has gone into hiding. He has been untraceable for several weeks, with his mobile phone reportedly turned off. Notices issued by the police have not been responded to.
Police Investigation and Suspected Movements
Preliminary investigations suggest that the doctor may have fled to the neighboring state of Uttarakhand. The Uttar Pradesh Police have reached out to their counterparts in Uttarakhand to assist in tracking his movements.
Allegations from the Female Doctor
The case has drawn attention due to the allegations made by a female doctor, who identifies as Hindu. She claims that her male colleague, a member of the Muslim community, emotionally exploited her and pressured her to convert to Islam in order to marry him. After she refused, she alleges that he continued to harass her, leading to severe mental distress, including a suicide attempt.
Suicide Attempt and Medical Intervention
On December 27, the female doctor allegedly attempted suicide by ingesting a large quantity of medications in her KGMU hostel room. She was promptly taken to the Trauma Centre and later transferred to the Critical Care Management (CCM) ICU for advanced treatment.
Additional Allegations of Forced Conversion
Another doctor, who married the accused after meeting at Agra Medical College, has also made similar allegations, claiming that the accused forcibly converted her religion before their marriage. In response to these claims, police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to the doctor’s arrest, which was subsequently increased to Rs 50,000.
Arrests and Institutional Actions
On January 5, the parents of the accused doctor were arrested on charges related to alleged forced religious conversion. Additionally, KGMU officials have initiated proceedings to seize the properties of the accused doctor.
Findings of the Internal Committee
A senior KGMU official stated that the university plans to recommend the termination of the doctor’s services after its internal Vishakha Committee, which investigates sexual harassment claims, found him guilty on multiple counts. The doctor attended a hearing of the panel prior to his disappearance. The committee’s report has been submitted to the Vice-Chancellor, detailing findings that include his concealment of a previous marriage and subsequent stalking and threats towards the fellow resident.