Special Correspondent | Pune:
A shocking incident of ragging has emerged from B.J. Medical College, affiliated with Sassoon Hospital in Pune. A first-year MS (Orthopaedics) resident doctor has filed a complaint against two senior students, alleging sustained mental and physical harassment. The victim is reportedly the grandson of the founder of a prominent educational institution in Pune.
According to the complaint, the student had been facing harassment for several days, including being forced to pour hot or cold water over his head by the seniors. Despite reporting the matter to the department head, Dr. Girish Bartakke, no action was initially taken. Later, the student approached Sassoon Hospital Dean Dr. Eknath Pawar, but the response remained indifferent.
With no relief at the college level, the student’s family escalated the matter directly to the state’s medical education ministry. Following this, swift action was initiated, and an urgent meeting of the college’s Anti-Ragging Committee was convened. After recording detailed statements from both the complainant and the accused, the committee found the two senior students guilty in the preliminary inquiry.
As a result, both students have been suspended for six months—equivalent to one academic term.
Interestingly, the college and hospital administration have maintained silence on the matter. Dean Dr. Eknath Pawar has not issued any public statement. Efforts have been made to prevent media coverage, but the involvement of the ministry has brought the issue to light, underscoring its seriousness.
The incident has sparked concern across the academic community, and the final report from the inquiry committee is expected soon.
