Safety Concerns Raised After Psychiatry Resident Faces Allegations of Stalking and Harassment
A junior doctor from the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh, has been accused of stalking a female colleague, attempting to forcibly enter her hostel room, and engaging in inappropriate behaviour on campus. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding the safety and security of women resident doctors within the institution.
According to a complaint submitted through the Head of Department, the accused doctor allegedly entered the women’s hostel on May 18 and May 20 and attempted to forcibly enter the complainant’s room on both occasions. The complainant further alleged that the accused had been persistently stalking her over a prolonged period and had made inappropriate gestures, creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort.
Sources told Punjab Newsline that the woman doctor was not present inside the room during the alleged attempts to gain entry. However, the repeated incidents reportedly caused significant distress and prompted concerns among fellow residents.
Parents Approach Police; Institution Launches Internal Inquiry
The matter escalated after the victim’s parents approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. Following the complaint, the medical college administration initiated an inquiry and referred the case to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for investigation.
Confirming the development, Dr Ravneet Kaur, Director Principal of GMCH-32, stated that the ICC conducted a detailed investigation and submitted its report. According to the findings, the accused doctor was reportedly not in a stable state of mind during the period under review and has remained distressed since the incident.
Counselling and Disciplinary Action Under Consideration
The administration has adopted a two-pronged approach by ordering mandatory counselling for the accused doctor while simultaneously considering disciplinary measures based on the ICC’s recommendations.
Officials indicated that counselling would be completed before a final decision is taken regarding punitive action. The institution is also examining measures to strengthen safety protocols for women doctors residing and working on campus.
Resident Doctors Demand Stronger Safety Measures
The incident has triggered widespread concern among resident doctors and hospital staff. Several residents have raised questions about hostel security and institutional safeguards designed to protect women healthcare professionals.
Sources revealed that the ICC held discussions with the families of both doctors to address immediate concerns and assess the broader implications of the case. A batchmate of the complainant alleged that the accused had repeatedly stalked the woman doctor, contributing to an unsafe environment within the medical college campus.
The case has once again highlighted the need for robust safety mechanisms, effective grievance redressal systems, and strict enforcement of workplace conduct standards in medical institutions across the country.
