Tamil Nadu: Medical intern files a complaint of sexual harrasment against faculty

Villupuram: A medicine graduate undergoing compulsory rotatory internship at Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital(GVMCH), recently reported having been sexually harassed by an Assistant Professor. A complaint was lodged by her to the Dean and a copy sent to Director, Medical Education, and Vice-Chancellor, Dr MGR University, Chennai.

The complaint filed by the victim stated she had been touched inappropriately several times, while on duty, on October 22^nd by an Assistant Professor, from the Department of Surgery.

Her father also admitted having found her a bit disturbed when she spoke to him on the same day. He said that he got to know of the incident through a close friend of his daughter, a few days later.

The student is believed to have filed a complaint with the college authorities on Oct 25. The complaint bore 32 other signatures of batch mates.

"Nothing has been done. We suspect the officials are trying to protect the accused," alleged her father.

The Hospital Dean, Dr Vanithamani when contacted informed that the complaint had been forwarded to the college's anti-sexual harassment committee. A four-member team will now be carrying out an inquiry into the incident and cross-questioning the assistant professor as well, she stated.

"Strict action will be taken against the accused if the charges are proved, but if charges are proved false then the student will face action," she told the TNIE.