Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended an associate professor from B.Y.L. Nair Hospital following serious allegations of sexual harassment made by a female medical student. The case has now been escalated to the Municipal Headquarters’ Complaint Committee under the Savitribai Phule Women's Resource Center, which will oversee the investigation to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry.
According to officials, a female student studying at Bai Yamunabai Laxman (B.Y.L.) Nair Hospital and Medical College, located in Mumbai Central, lodged an official complaint accusing the associate professor of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment. The allegations were initially examined by the hospital’s internal Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee.
Simultaneously, the 'Complaint Committee under the Chief Prevention of Sexual Abuse Against Women' and the Savitribai Phule Women's Resource Center at the municipal level also took note of the complaint, reflecting the gravity of the issue.
However, as additional complaints surfaced related to the same incident, the matter was transferred to the BMC's 'Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee at the Workplace' at the municipal headquarters. The decision to escalate the case was made to ensure an independent and transparent investigation.
"In light of the prima facie evidence presented and considering the severity of the allegations, the administration has decided to suspend the associate professor while the investigation is ongoing. The transfer of the case to the headquarters-level committee reflects our commitment to a fair and unbiased probe, ensuring all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined", a senior civic official stated.
The official further added that this move aligns with the BMC's broader policy of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment in the workplace. "Given the serious nature of the accusations, we are taking every step to ensure the matter is handled with the utmost sensitivity and diligence. The administration is committed to taking appropriate action based on the final findings of the headquarters committee," the civic body’s statement read.
B.Y.L. Nair Hospital, one of Mumbai's leading public medical institutions, is operated under the purview of the BMC. The administration assured that the well-being and safety of students and staff are of the highest priority, reinforcing their commitment to tackling any form of workplace harassment.
The committee overseeing the case, under the Savitribai Phule Women's Resource Center, has been entrusted with examining all evidence, including additional complaints that have emerged during the investigation. The BMC emphasized that further actions against the accused will be strictly determined based on the conclusions drawn from this inquiry.
The corporation has also reiterated its broader commitment to addressing all complaints of sexual misconduct with seriousness and ensuring that justice is delivered in a transparent and equitable manner. "The corporation will act as per the findings and recommendations of the inquiry committee once the investigation is completed," said the statement issued by BMC.
