Baroda Medical College Vice Dean removed after harassment allegations

Vadodara: Following allegations of harassment made by female students at Baroda Medical College in Vadodara, the college authorities have removed the Vice Dean and Senior Professor of the Pharmacology Department from his post and reassigned him from examination-related work. The investigation has been handed over to the Women’s Harassment Committee, a nine-member panel, which has summoned him to appear on Monday, March 2, as part of the ongoing investigation.Also Read:Wardha doctor arrested on charge of abetting daughter’s suicideIn a written complaint submitted to the Dean, around a dozen women students have alleged that the Senior Professor “held the female students by their hands and made indecent remarks”, making them “uncomfortable”. The incident occurred during a practical-viva session held recently at the college, the complaint alleged, reports the Indian Express.An additional issue highlighted during the inquiry is the absence of CCTV cameras in many parts of the medical college, including the classroom where the incident allegedly took place.
The Vice Dean denied any ill intentions, stating that he had only briefly held a student’s hand to demonstrate a procedure. Speaking to Gujarat Samachar, he said, “I have been working as a professor for 28 years. I have been a student dean, and students also come to meet me for their work. I have never had any such complaint against me. If any student felt bad because of any of my sentences, then I apologize. I think they have misinterpreted what I said. These students are like my daughters. I had no bad intentions. I just took the student’s path for three to four seconds to teach them. I have to tell the students that I do not want to do anything bad to you, and I am sorry to know that you are scared.”Also Read:Man arrested for allegedly raping 23 old medico on pretext of marriageSources indicate that if the allegations are proven, he could face a long leave or suspension. The investigation has been delayed as one committee member is on a week-long leave, with proceedings scheduled to resume on March 2.