Harassment, conversion case: KGMU panel begins probe, search for absconding doctor

Lucknow: As the senior resident doctor at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, accused of harassing a woman colleague and pressuring her to change her religion for marriage, remains absconding, both the university administration and police have stepped up action in the case.

KGMU has constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the allegations. The panel has begun its inquiry on Saturday and is expected to submit its report to Vice-Chancellor Dr Soniya Nityanand within a week.

Meanwhile, multiple police teams are carrying out raids at different locations to trace the accused doctor.

Also read- KGMU doctor absconds amid harassment and forced conversion allegations

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the accused doctor, who has been suspended and booked over serious allegations of sexual exploitation, blackmail, and forcibly attempting to convert a colleague’s religion, has gone absconding.

The accused doctor has been untraceable for the past two days, with his mobile phone reportedly switched off. Notices issued to him by the police have not been complied with so far.

Based on preliminary information, police suspect that the doctor may have fled to the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand. In this regard, Uttar Pradesh Police have contacted their counterparts in Uttarakhand to trace his possible movements.

HT reported that police officials confirmed that the complainant’s medical examination had been conducted and her statement had been recorded. Her statement before a magistrate is yet to be recorded due to court holidays and will be done with her consent.

Earlier, Chowk police questioned the parents of the accused doctor for nearly four hours. According to police, the parents claimed they were unaware of the complainant but stated that they would not object if their son decided to marry.

The incident comes in the wake of the affected female doctor, who stated that she is a Hindu and alleged that her male colleague, who belongs to the Muslim community, emotionally exploited her and pressured her to convert to Islam to marry him. She claimed that after she refused, he continued to harass her, which pushed her into severe mental distress and led to her suicide attempt.

On December 27, she allegedly attempted suicide by consuming a large quantity of medicines inside her hostel room at KGMU. She was immediately rushed to the Trauma Centre and later shifted to the fifth floor of the Critical Care Management (CCM) ICU for advanced treatment.

As part of the investigation, police teams inspected the pathology department of KGMU. Another team has been sent to Noida to record the statement of a woman who allegedly married the accused doctor after religious conversion, which officials said could be crucial to the case.

A team sent to Khatima in Uttarakhand returned empty-handed, after which search operations were intensified.

State Women’s Commission chairperson Babita Chauhan also met the KGMU Vice-Chancellor and sought a detailed status report on the case. She stressed the need for a fair, fact-based inquiry and strict action if the allegations are proven.

KGMU spokesperson Dr KK Singh said that "Serious allegations had surfaced against some faculty members, including attempts to lobby in favour of the accused and against the complainant, and alleged preferential treatment to individuals from a particular group. These allegations require thorough verification. Action will be taken strictly on the basis of the inquiry report."

Meanwhile, the National Medicos Organisation (NMO) has demanded strict action against the accused doctor. The organisation has urged KGMU to recommend cancellation of his NEET-PG admission and asked the National Medical Commission (NMC) to revoke his medical degree.

Also read- KGMU resident doctor conversion case: Women's Commission seeks action