2nd year PG Anaesthesia suicide case: Professor of private medical college arrested for abetment

Kanyakumari: Following the tragic suicide of the PG anesthesiology student at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences in Kanyakumari, the professor at the private medical college who was accused of sexual harassment, mental and physical abuse was arrested by the Kulasekharam police on Friday. 

The arrest was made subsequent to the demonstrations that took place on October 13th at 4 p.m., organized by doctors affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association (TNMSA) and students from Thanjavur Medical College and Theni Medical College in Tamil Nadu. 

The protest aimed to demand immediate action against the professor and doctors who are believed to be accountable for the student's death. It received significant support from the medical community, various student associations, and political parties, resulting in the police authorities taking action against the accused.

Also read- 2nd Year PG Anaesthesia Commits Suicide, Accuses Professor Of Harassment, 2 Doctors Of Senior Toxicity In Suicide Note

The professor was arrested under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for abetment of suicide. While the arrest of the professor has been confirmed the capture of the other two doctors remains unknown.

In addition to this, the professor and other two doctors who were mentioned in the suicide note were suspended by the medical college authorities on October 12. 

Medical Dialogues has recently reported how the 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.

Following this, the National Medical Commission announced its decision to send a formal letter to the State Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to conduct an independent probe.

NMC has directed the DMER to complete and submit its report within 15 days, ensuring a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to the doctor's tragic demise.

Now, medical students are demanding the government enforce stringent measures to eradicate workplace harassment within government hospitals and medical colleges, as well as to establish long-term strategies to ensure the mental health and overall well-being of postgraduate resident doctors.

Talking about the safety of PG medicos, Dr Keerthy Varman, President of Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association (TNMSA) told Edex live, “The Tamil Nadu government should give an explanation for this and state what actions would be taken to avoid any such incident in future. It is shameful that even today, women cannot practise a career of their choice freely and safely. Necessary steps should be taken by the Health and Welfare Board."

According to the Daily, the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID).

Also read- NMC Takes Cognizance Of PG Anaesthesia Medico's Suicide Case, Orders Inquiry