Crime News / Four Senior Doctors Suspended Over Alleged Harassment After PG Student's Death in Surat

Surat, Aug 10: Four senior resident doctors were suspended for six months following the death of a 30-year-old postgraduate medical student at a government hospital hostel in Surat, amid allegations of ragging and harassment.

The deceased, identified as Harsh Pandya, was a resident doctor in the Microbiology Department at New Civil Hospital, where he had been working for about six months while pursuing postgraduate studies.

Pandya was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Internal Inquiry Ordered
Following the incident, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Panseriya ordered an internal inquiry under the supervision of Additional Director of Medical Education and Research Dr Jayesh Sachde.

The minister directed officials to examine all aspects of the case, including allegations of ragging or any form of mental or physical harassment at the hostel or hospital.

He also directed that a detailed report be submitted within 24 hours.

Four Doctors Suspended
Four senior resident doctors -- Dr Nirali Vasave, Dr Anuj Maheshwari, Dr Dikshit Ghevariya and Hina Bhutne -- have been suspended from the hospital, hostel and all teaching activities for six months, according to the report.

Statements are being recorded from students and doctors residing in the hostel as part of the inquiry into the allegations of ragging and harassment.

Police are also examining whether the alleged harassment and departmental pressure had any connection with the student's death.

Father Says No Academic Problems
According to Pandya's father, Dr Subhash Pandya, he received a call from his son's friend at around 8:30 am on Sunday asking him to come to Surat immediately.

The father said Pandya had not faced any problems with his studies. However, he said there had been occasional issues between senior and junior doctors in the department regarding work.

Pandya had also recently become engaged, according to his family.

Also Read: GRP Constable Soumya Swain Lynching: Crime Branch Chargesheet Exposes Probe Gaps, Sets Stage for BNSS-Era Test of Evidence

Body Found Inside Hostel Room
As a first-year postgraduate student, Pandya had been assigned emergency duty at New Civil Hospital on Sunday. When he failed to report for duty, a senior doctor called him, but his phone was switched off.

Another resident doctor staying at the hostel was then asked to check on him. The doctor reached room No. 1005 in Building B of the Boys' PG Hostel and found the door locked from inside.

After repeated calls received no response, security personnel helped break open the door. Pandya was found unresponsive inside the room, following which police were informed.

The investigation into the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Pandya's death is underway.