KGMU terminates admission of resident doc accused of sexually harassing colleague | Lucknow News

Lucknow: King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Friday terminated the admission of resident doctor Rameezuddin after its internal complaints committee (ICC) found him guilty of emotional, mental and physical harassment of a woman colleague. Addressing a press conference, KGMU vice-chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand said the university forwarded its recommendation to the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) for further action, based on the ICC’s findings.

“This is the highest level of action a university can take on the grounds of indiscipline. Such acts cannot be tolerated at KGMU as they tarnish the institution’s reputation,” she said. The VC added that the accused doctor was suspended on December 22, and his entry into the KGMU campus was banned with immediate effect. According to ICC chairperson Prof Monica Kohli, on December 21 around 10 am, the university received a written complaint from the victim alleging mental, emotional and sexual exploitation. On December 22, by 2 pm, the ICC held its first meeting, during which statements from the victim, the accused and the accused’s father were recorded. The accused appeared only once before the inquiry committee. During his appearance, he claimed that the relationship was consensual and denied being married. “However, during the inquiry, we spoke to his wife over the phone, which exposed the falsehood of his claim regarding his marital status,” Prof Kohli said. She added that after December 23, the accused went absconding. “His residence was found locked, his mobile phones were switched off, and repeated attempts to contact him failed. The ICC informed the police and conveyed that further questioning would be required if the accused was traced, but this could not be done,” she said. On Wednesday, the ICC held its final meeting, reviewed all available evidence, and made a last attempt to contact the accused before submitting its report. “After examining statements, evidence and other material placed before the committee, and with the consent of all members, the final inquiry report was submitted to the VC recommending strict disciplinary action,” Prof Kohli said. Officials said the victim doctor earlier attempted suicide on December 17 by overdosing on medication. She was admitted to the KGMU Trauma Centre in a critical condition and was discharged on December 19. The victim’s father lodged complaints on the Chief Minister’s grievance portal and with the State Women’s Commission, alleging that the accused pressured his daughter to convert for marriage, while concealing the fact that he was already married. He also claimed that the accused earlier converted and married another woman. These allegations were taken cognisance of by the university, following which KGMU sought a formal complaint from the victim. Victim gets security cover On KGMU’s request, the police provided a bodyguard to the woman doctor following the incident, officials said. Proctor Prof R A S Kushwaha said that for security reasons, the victim doctor was shifted to a hostel to ensure her safety. He added that the university also granted her 20 days of leave at her request. The proctor said KGMU took all necessary steps to ensure the safety, security and well-being of the victim, and further measures will be taken if required. Panel to probe conversion allegations A seven-member fact-finding committee probing allegations of attempted forced conversion and extremist activities on the KGMU campus will submit its report within 10 days. The panel, which includes former DG (intelligence) Bhavesh Kumar Singh, is chaired by Prof KK Singh. Since its constitution on December 26, the committee held a two-hour meeting at the Dean Academic Office, recording statements from several resident doctors. Representatives of social organisations and advocates also appeared before the panel, though officials said evidence is being collected so far. Prof Singh said the committee will submit the report in 10 days.