Senior official at Pune's Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College accused of harassment; inquiry ordered

Pune: A senior official at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)-run Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College (BAVMC) has been accused of harassment and misconduct by at least four women employees, leading the administration to initiate an inquiry and place him on compulsory leave. 

According to a complaint submitted to the college authorities, PMC officials, and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, the women alleged that the official repeatedly called them to his cabin, made them wait for long periods, and disrupted their work routines. They further accused him of subjecting them to mental harassment and sending unsolicited and inappropriate messages via WhatsApp.  

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Speaking to TOI, Sunita Sawant, dean (additional charge) of the medical college, said, “We have set up an inquiry committee under the Vishakha guidelines to look into the allegations. The complaint reached us only a few days ago, and we will thoroughly investigate it. It is too early to comment on the role of the police in this case. However, a workplace must be safe for every woman''.

The letter alleges that the complaint has been filed collectively by women staff members of the medical college, many of whom are reluctant to come forward publicly because of the official’s position as a permanent employee and fears of possible adverse consequences.

The complainants, who have collectively raised the issue, said many staff members were hesitant to speak publicly due to the official’s senior position and fear of possible repercussions. In their letter dated June 1, they stated that the official’s conduct had made the workplace unsafe for women employees and that he had repeatedly behaved in an impolite and intrusive manner, including interference in their personal lives despite objections.

They have demanded a fair and independent investigation while ensuring confidentiality for the complainants, along with strict action against the accused official.

The controversy adds to a series of administrative concerns surrounding the college, which has previously faced scrutiny from the National Medical Commission over alleged non-compliance with prescribed norms.

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