AIIMS Raipur Associate Professor accused of sexually harassing 2 resident doctors

Raipur: An associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, has been found guilty of sexually harassing two resident doctors and a patient. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has confirmed his involvement in two separate incidents, but the institute has not yet taken any disciplinary action.

The allegations surfaced after a female patient, who had been receiving treatment for arthritis since January 2022, accused the professor of inappropriate behaviour. She claimed that during consultations, he improperly touched her chest and engaged in personal conversations.

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She also alleged that the professor made comments about her family, and used these conversations to make inappropriate remarks. The patient then stopped her treatment at the PMR department following the incident and lodged a formal complaint on December 10, 2024.

In another separate incident, two female junior doctors pursuing their postgraduate degrees at the institute also stepped forward with similar allegations and filed complaints against the professor between May 2024 and September 2024.

As per Dainik Bhaskar news report, one of the doctors alleged that he forcibly held her hand, touched her chest inappropriately, and other inappropriate areas inside the department. She claimed that he allegedly attempted to engage in obscene conversations. Another doctor accused him of mental and sexual harassment.

In response to the allegations, AIIMS constituted an eight-member internal committee to investigate the matter. The committee, in two separate reports, found the professor guilty of sexual harassment and recommended disciplinary action. Meanwhile, another investigation report suggested the victim take legal action.

The ICC at AIIMS Raipur comprises eight members, including two of DSP rank. The committee is responsible for handling cases under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).

However, no police complaint has been filed yet against the professor. Amanaka police station in-charge Sunil Das told the Daily, "No complaint regarding this case has been filed at the station. Immediate action would be taken if such a case is brought to their attention."

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