Special Correspondent
Pune:
In a serious case of ragging at Pune’s prestigious B.J. Medical College, three senior resident doctors from the Orthopaedics Department have been dismissed after they were found guilty of ragging the grandson of the founder of a renowned educational institution. The doctors were also evicted from the college hostel, and departmental head Dr. Girish Bartakke has been removed from his post.
The college administration took swift action after the incident came to light on Monday, involving ragging of two junior resident doctors. On Tuesday, the Anti-Ragging Committee held an emergency meeting based on the complaint and preliminary inquiry. The committee found the accused resident doctors prima facie guilty and took immediate disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion from the hostel.
Dean Dr. Eknath Pawar confirmed that the final investigation report will be submitted within a few days. Until then, Dr. Bartakke has been relieved of his duties as Head of Department, with Dr. Shrinivas Shintre now taking over. Additionally, Dr. Bartakke has also been removed from the position of Vice-Dean, and Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Head of the Microbiology Department, has been assigned the role.
An Anti-Ragging Committee comprising 15 to 20 doctors has been formed to further investigate the matter and prevent future incidents. The committee is expected to submit its final report to the government within seven days.
Dr. Eknath Pawar stated that the complaint was originally lodged by the mother of one of the victims, who reported that the ragging had been ongoing for 8 to 10 days. “Yelling or abusive language alone may not qualify as ragging, but we are treating the entire matter with utmost seriousness. Strict action has been taken, and safeguards are being put in place,” he added.
