Who is Sejal Pawar?
Sejal Pawar is an undergraduate MBBS student at Seth GS Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai. She gained notoriety after a clip from comedian Pranit More's stand-up show surfaced online. During the interaction, More asked Pawar if doctors remain serious during autopsies. Pawar described dissection procedures but added that she and colleagues often compared the sizes of male cadavers' private parts. Her statement sparked widespread outrage.
Backlash Against Sejal Pawar
The video went viral, leading to massive online criticism. Body donation is seen as an act of generosity, and medical students are expected to respect cadavers. Critics accused Pawar of crossing an ethical line. One medical student called mocking a cadaver "one of the worst things you can do."
Sejal Pawar Apologises
Facing backlash, Pawar issued an apology on Instagram, stating the clip was from three months ago and she was "really very naïve." She said, "I am never going to justify this. I know it is my mistake. Maine agar aapke sentiments hurt kiye toh, I am sorry." Despite the apology, criticism continued.
KEM Hospital launched an internal inquiry. Dr. Harish M. Patha said, "We received information that a video was widely circulated where one of our students made objectionable comments about dead bodies. This is highly unacceptable." The All India Medical Students’ Association condemned the remarks, calling them "insensitive, irresponsible, and disrespectful." They urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to intervene.
Pawar Placed on Leave
As the inquiry proceeds, Pawar has been placed on a 15-day forced leave and barred from entering the hostel and college campus.
Another Video Goes Viral
Amid the cadaver controversy, an older video emerged where Pawar introduces her college as "famous for cutting dead bodies." When asked about dating someone from her college, she replied, "No, they're very ugly." She also described the faculty as "toxic." Pawar has since deactivated her Instagram account.
Context of Comedy Controversy
The incident follows outrage over Pranit More's show where audience member Himanshu Jangra made offensive comments about a woman, suggesting she owed him intimacy after he spent Rs 370 on biryani. Both More and Jangra have deactivated their accounts and face probes.
