The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) has issued a formal notice to the dean of Mumbai’s Sir JJ Group of Hospitals for failing to submit a report on a woman professor-doctor’s complaint of mental harassment by her department head within the stipulated timeframe, news agency PTI reported.
The complainant, a professor and doctor in the department of gynaecology and obstetrics, had approached the commission on July 10, alleging continuous mental harassment and humiliating behaviour by her department head, the commission said.
MSCW had requested a detailed report from the hospital administration twice, on July 18 and October 24, regarding the action taken in response to the complaint.
However, the hospital allegedly failed to submit the report. During a hearing on October 29, the hospital representative reportedly appeared unaware of both the complaint and the steps taken, the panel added.
Taking serious note of the hospital’s lack of cooperation and delay in providing the required information, the commission issued a formal notice to the dean. It was observed that the administration did not treat the employee’s complaint with due seriousness.
The commission has directed the dean to submit, within seven days, a detailed report on the functioning of the hospital’s Internal Complaints Committee, the measures taken in response to the complaint, and whether the government was informed about the reappointment of the accused to a key post after retirement, which allegedly contributed to the continued mental harassment of the complainant, PTI reported.
Satara doctor suicide case: Suspended PSI Gopal Badane dismissed from service
The Special IG of Kolhapur Range, Maharashtra, has dismissed the accused, suspended Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane, in connection with the Satara doctor suicide case, news agency ANI reported, quoting the police.
According to Maharashtra Police, Badane has been removed from service by Special IG Sunil Phulari. Earlier, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the Satara doctor suicide case, with IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute appointed to lead the investigation. Orders have been issued to commence the probe immediately.
The move follows instructions from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to set up an SIT to investigate the Satara doctor suicide case, ANI reported.
The opposition parties have been demanding a high-level probe into the doctor`s death case. The opposition had also earlier demanded that the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) be arrested in connection with the case.
The doctor, posted in Satara, was found dead in a hotel room. She had left a note written on her hand that named Badane and two others, the officers said.
Badane was produced before the additional district and sessions court in Phaltan, Maharashtra, on October 26 and remanded in police custody.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
