MBBS Students Sexual Harassment Case: Dr BSA Assistant Professor of Pharmacology suspended

New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has given the nod for the suspension of an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology from Delhi-based Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College following allegations of sexual harassment against him during a viva examination. 

In a statement, the Delhi government said it “is very disheartening” to see that even though it was considered to be a services matter falling in the LG’s domain, it took him more than two months to take action, reports news agency PTI. 

“And, it was only when the matter was constantly raised by the Health Minister, the LG had to take this action,” it said.

He said the “shocking incident of sexual harassment” took place in a medical college, so a mere transfer of the accused, as recommended by the internal complaints committee of the college, will not mitigate the “intimidating atmosphere” for the students.

“I approve the proposal of placing the officer under suspension with immediate effect, under Rule 10 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965,” the LG said while stressing that the alleged act of the accused involved “moral turpitude”.

He also advised the department concerned to resubmit the proposal for the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the accused, with due recommendations from the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is the chairman of the panel, is currently in judicial custody.

The NCCSA deals with transfers and postings of officers. It is headed by the chief minister and comprises the chief secretary and a member secretary.

Kejriwal, who has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, is in judicial custody till April 15.

According to a PTI report, The Delhi government said, “The unfortunate incident involving molestation of MBBS students happened on January 31 and it was immediately reported by the brave girls to the college authorities. However, the matter was intentionally put under the wraps and the complainants were being forced to take back their complaints”.

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj became aware of the situation through social media nearly a month and a half later and ensured strict action would be taken. 

“That very day, the minister met the complainants along with their warden. After speaking to them, he had assured that strictest action will be ensured.

“When asked about this incident, the Health Secretary and the Chief Secretary maintained that this matter being a services comes directly under the domain of LG, therefore minister or elected government was not required to be informed,” the government’s statement said.

The matter was vigorously taken up by Bharadwaj, though initially, there was visible reluctance on the part of the chief secretary, it added.