In a significant development, the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Lucknow's prestigious King George Medical University (KGMU) has recommended the termination of a resident doctor, Dr Rameezuddin, following serious allegations of sexual harassment and pressuring a colleague for religious conversion. The committee submitted its findings to the university administration after a detailed inquiry.
Committee Findings and Recommendations
The ICC, constituted under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and headed by Prof Monica Kohli, conducted a thorough investigation. The committee recorded statements from the complainant, the accused, their parents, and other faculty members. Based on the evidence reviewed, the panel strongly recommended Dr Rameezuddin's removal from the residency programme. The report has been forwarded to Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand, the competent authority for a final decision.
If the Vice-Chancellor endorses the committee's findings, the case will be formally referred to the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) for the doctor's termination from the course, as per prevailing rules. The university may also seek cancellation of his admission, which would involve informing the NEET-conducting authority and the National Medical Commission (NMC), since admissions and stipends are routed through the DGME.
Sequence of Events and Police Case
The case came to light tragically after the woman doctor, from the same department, attempted suicide on December 17. She subsequently filed a formal complaint with KGMU on December 21, accusing Dr Rameezuddin of sexual harassment and coercing her to change her religion as a precondition for marriage.
The ICC heard both parties on December 22, where the accused denied all allegations. However, after December 23, Dr Rameezuddin went absconding. His residence was found locked, his mobile phones switched off, and all contact attempts failed. The ICC informed the police of his disappearance. His parents were arrested for allegedly aiding him in evading arrest.
"After repeated attempts to contact Dr Rameezuddin, the ICC held its final meeting, reviewed the evidence, and submitted its report to the Vice Chancellor," stated Prof KK Singh, spokesperson for KGMU. He added that the accused had completed over one-and-a-half years of his residency after being admitted through NEET-PG.
Separate Probe into Conversion Allegations
While the ICC's mandate was limited to the sexual harassment complaint, the university has initiated a separate, broader investigation. A seven-member committee, which includes former DGP Bhavesh Singh, is probing the allegations of forced religious conversion and suspected radical activities. This panel has interacted with resident doctors and social organisations to gather information.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the medical institution, highlighting the critical importance of robust internal mechanisms to address serious misconduct. The final decision from the Vice-Chancellor's office is now awaited, which will determine the official course of action against the absconding resident doctor.
