Sexual harassment scandal jolts Nahan medical college; guard suspended

A case of alleged sexual harassment has jolted Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar Government Medical College in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh after a trainee doctor accused a security guard of misconduct.

The matter escalated when 20 other intern doctors also came forward with a signed complaint to the college principal, alleging similar behaviour. Following an internal inquiry conducted by the college’s Sexual Harassment Committee, the case was formally forwarded to the police.

Principal of the college, Dr S S Dogra, while speaking to The Tribune, confirmed that the incident was first brought to the notice of the Head of Orthopedics on September 5 by trainee doctors and their association. The complaint was subsequently reported to the Joint Director of the college, who immediately suspended the accused security guard on the same day. Dr. Dogra said that the matter reached his office the following Monday, after which he promptly directed the Sexual Harassment Committee to conduct an inquiry. Written complaints from the trainees were later submitted as well, but orders for the probe had already been issued by then.

Taking cognizance of the committee’s findings, the police registered a case. Superintendent of Police, Sirmaur, Nishchint Singh Negi, confirmed that a complaint was formally lodged with the police on September 7 by the HOD of ENT, who is also the Chairperson of the Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act, 2013.

“As many as 21 trainee doctors have alleged that the security guard indulged in inappropriate conduct, objectionable remarks and indecent acts amounting to sexual harassment,” the SP stated.

Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case under Sections 75, 78, and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Officials further informed that the statements of the aggrieved trainee doctors will be recorded before the magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Police officials confirmed that necessary legal formalities are being completed and further probe was underway.