Surat Medical College Professor Suspended Over Ragging Case

SURAT: In a strong message against ragging in medical institutions, the Gujarat government has suspended a senior professor at Government Medical College, Surat, for 90 days following allegations of serious negligence in preventing a ragging incident involving first-year resident doctor Dr Harsh Pandya, who later died by suicide.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya ordered disciplinary action against Dr Sumaiya Mulla, Professor, Class-I, Department of Microbiology, citing alleged failure to discharge her disciplinary responsibilities and prevent the incident.

The action comes under the state government’s stated zero-tolerance policy against ragging and mental harassment in educational and medical institutions.

“No matter how high the position, an officer who plays with the safety of students will not be spared,” Pansheriya said, stressing that the government would not compromise on student safety.

The minister said ragging and mental harassment would not be tolerated in any educational or medical institution in Gujarat and warned officials against negligence in dealing with such complaints.

During her suspension, Dr Mulla’s headquarters will be at Government Medical College, Vadodara. She will require written permission from the competent controlling authority to leave the headquarters and will not be permitted to undertake private employment or business during the suspension period.

The government has also directed all government medical colleges in Gujarat to immediately strengthen their Anti-Ragging Committees and Anti-Ragging Squads.

Pansheriya said medical colleges must ensure that students receive a “safe, disciplined and fear-free environment” on campus.

The disciplinary action follows the death of Dr Harsh Pandya, a first-year resident doctor in the Microbiology Department, and is aimed at establishing accountability in the handling of ragging complaints and student safety.

The government’s latest directive is expected to put increased scrutiny on anti-ragging mechanisms across Gujarat’s medical colleges, with authorities being asked to ensure prompt intervention whenever allegations of harassment or ragging emerge.