2nd year PG Anaesthesia commits suicide, accuses professor of harassment, 2 doctors of senior toxicity in Suicide note

Kanyakumari: In a tragic incident, a 27-year-old second-year PG anesthesiology student at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences in Kanyakumari committed suicide by injecting herself with a muscle relaxant in her hostel room on Thursday. 

According to police, the doctor was found dead in her hostel room on October 6 and a suicide note was recovered from her hostel room.

In the suicide note, the medico named 3 doctors including a professor, and 2 other doctors. She accused the professor of sexual harassment, mental and physical abuse and alleged senior toxicity by other 2 doctors.

"Sorry Appa, I love you the most. Depressed people can also be seen happy. Be kind. Don't judge. Be there for them," the deceased said in her suicide note. 

"On October 6 the victim did not attend the classes. Noting this her classmates went to her hostel room where the door was locked from the inside and not opened even after efforts. The college administration passed this info to Kulasekharam Police Station. When Police broke the door, they found the victim dead inside the room. A suicide note was also recovered," said the police.

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"Medical Student of private college (Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences) at Kanniyakumari District died by suicide allegedly named 3 persons as the reason for suicide," it added.

Coming in support of the deceased student, Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association (TNRDA) has demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter, while also calling for the culprits to be held accountable. Furthermore, the association has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Dr P Vimala, president, women wing of TNRDA told TOI, “The institution has so far not given any explanations or response regarding the suicide or what action they are taking, nor has it communicated properly to the victim’s family as to what happened. They must provide clarity. We also seek for the submission of the autopsy preliminary report and forensic chemical analysis report to be fast tracked."

The association also condemned workplace harassment against woman doctors. Dr Vimala said “For a PG medical student, the entire period of study is rigorous. Harassment in the workplace by a person with power/seniority only adds to their burden. Many PG medical students especially in private medical colleges often may feel trapped and unable to raise their voice against harassment as their family has spent lakhs of rupees to make them study."

Similarly, Tamil Nadu Medical Students' Association (TNMSA) has also extended their support and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. the association demanded proper unbiased enquiry regarding the issue. 

Urging the government to take strict action against workplace harassment, the association also shared that earlier they had requested the Health Secretary to form a Medical Students Welfare Board to monitor mental health, sexual harassment, and regarding welfare of students. In response, the secretary had assured them that he would take action soon. 

Speaking to EdexLive, Dr M Keerthy Varman, President, Tamil Nadu Medical Students' Association (TNMSA) said, "Postgraduates are going through work stress already. Upon that, it's dangerous that female PGs have to also face toxicity. It's very important to safeguard the welfare of students, particularly female students."

"Education of females is like a great protest against the Indian society. So everyone should keep this in mind and it's every citizen's role to not harm others," he added stressing about the implementation of the medical students welfare board. 

Taking to X, a doctor shared the incident and said "Smiles can hide depression and toxicity but cannot overcome it. She is not alone , There are thousands like her in our profession who are struggling for mental peace from age old toxicity inside and needs our support."

 "A case has been registered under the appropriate sections and a women officer has been assigned as an investigation officer to inquire about this case," police said. 

Her body was sent to Kanniyakumari government medical college hospital at Asaripallam for postmortem. Further investigation is underway.

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