Nagpur: The Head of the Forensic Medicine Department at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital (IGGMC or Mayo Hospital) has been found guilty of sexually harassing a first-year female postgraduate medico, according to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) following a fact-finding inquiry.
ICC Investigation Findings
The 14-member ICC concluded that the allegations raised by three junior resident doctors, including the complainant, were “true, serious and constituted sexual harassment.” The committee recommended that the senior professor be transferred out of the institution to ensure a safe and fear-free environment for the complainants.
Background of Allegations
The professor was booked after an FIR was registered following the medico’s complaint. She alleged that over a period of nine months, the professor mentally tormented her, made inappropriate gestures, offered undue favours, and threatened to cancel her PG seat when she refused his demands.
Details of Harassment
The complainant stated that between February 3 and November 19, 2025, the professor repeatedly called her to his cabin, asked her to sit close to him, and spoke in a low tone to make her uncomfortable. On one occasion, she alleged he asked her to remove her apron under the pretext of checking her synopsis and instructed her to come to work in a “special manner.”
Public Insults and Threats
The doctor alleged that whenever she refused his instructions, the professor publicly scolded and insulted her, warning that he could end her career. He reportedly belittled her in front of colleagues and passed unsolicited remarks about her clothes and makeup. She further claimed he touched her inappropriately during an autopsy procedure at the mortuary.
Evidence Supporting Claims
During the ICC investigation, CCTV footage from November 7 showed the professor placing his hand on the junior doctor’s back during an evening autopsy, making her visibly uncomfortable. The panel also reviewed an audio clip containing inappropriate personal remarks made by the professor while checking academic work.
Additional Concerns Highlighted
The committee noted other issues, including pressure on the junior doctor to refuse a particular guide, undocumented changes in autopsy duty rosters, and observable stress and behavioural changes in the complainant, reinforcing the seriousness of the allegations.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The ICC submitted its confidential report to Dean Dr. Ravi Chavhan on December 4. It recommended transferring the accused professor and suggested forming a separate high-level inquiry committee for matters beyond its scope, ensuring accountability and a safer working environment for junior staff at IGGMC.
