Senior Doctor Accused of Sexual Harassment at Prestigious Medical College
The head of the forensic medicine department at Nagpur's Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, commonly known as Mayo Hospital, has been formally charged in a First Information Report for allegedly sexually harassing a 27-year-old postgraduate medical student. Dr Makarand Vyawahare stands accused of seeking inappropriate favors and making lewd comments toward the female doctor-in-training.
Pattern of Harassment and Threats
According to the police complaint filed at Tehsil police station late Thursday, the sexual harassment began in early November. The victim detailed how Dr Vyawahare repeatedly made unsolicited remarks about her clothing and makeup, besides inappropriately touching her during autopsy procedures at the hospital mortuary.
The situation escalated on November 9, when the HoD summoned the postgraduate student to his cabin under the pretext of reviewing her project work. There, he allegedly asked her to remove her apron and made comments that violated her dignity. The FIR further states that Dr Vyawahare threatened to cancel her PG seat after subjecting her to repeated insults.
Three other junior doctors have reportedly come forward claiming they experienced similar harassment and now stand in support of the complainant, indicating a potential pattern of behavior.
Institutional Response and Investigation
The victim first approached the college dean earlier this month before escalating the matter to law enforcement. The medical institution has responded by sending Dr Vyawahare on leave pending the outcome of investigations.
Both an internal complaint committee and medical education authorities have initiated separate probes into the serious allegations. Police authorities, including zonal DCP Rahul Madane and police commissioner Ravinder Singal, approved the filing of the FIR after reviewing the evidence.
A senior police official revealed that similar allegations against Dr Vyawahare surfaced in 2015, though the details of that previous case remain unclear. This historical context adds significance to the current investigation.
Growing Support and Potential Protests
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has thrown its weight behind the complainant, warning of statewide protests if justice is delayed. This institutional support highlights the medical community's growing intolerance toward harassment in educational environments.
Law enforcement has assigned the case to a senior woman officer, and Dr Vyawahare is expected to be summoned for questioning shortly. The police approach appears methodical, ensuring proper handling of this sensitive matter involving a prominent medical professional.
This case emerges at a time when India's medical education system faces increased scrutiny regarding the treatment of female students and professionals, potentially signaling a turning point in how institutions address such complaints.
