A senior woman doctor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has filed a formal complaint accusing the institution’s Principal, Professor Achyut Baishya, of workplace harassment. An FIR has been registered following her complaint, and the Assam government has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
The Associate Professor, who previously headed the Department of Clinical Psychology at GMCH, submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister’s Office on February 6. She has alleged inappropriate remarks, intimidation, and continued professional harassment during her tenure at the institution in Guwahati.
A senior woman doctor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital has filed an FIR accusing Principal Professor Achyut Baishya of workplace harassment. The complaint, submitted on February 6 to the Chief Minister’s Office, alleges inappropriate remarks and intimidation. The Assam government has formed an inquiry committee to investigate.
Allegations Detailed in Complaint
In her written complaint, the doctor stated that after the independent Department of Clinical Psychology was established, she initially received appreciation from the then Principal and Chief Superintendent, Professor Achyut Baishya.
However, she alleged that the situation later changed.
According to her complaint, the Principal insisted that she meet him alone in his office at the college building, despite official discussions being possible within the hospital premises where she was posted.
She said she felt uncomfortable with the request and avoided the meeting. She also mentioned that communication related to the meeting request was documented through WhatsApp messages.
Remarks Described as Inappropriate
The doctor further alleged that during a later interaction, the Principal made a remark asking her to contact him when she was “absolutely free and alone.”
She described the comment as inappropriate and unwelcome, stating that she responded politely but did not encourage such communication.
She also informed the Director of Medical Education about the distress caused by the incidents.
Government Response
Following the complaint, an FIR has been registered. The state government has constituted an inquiry committee to examine the allegations and submit its findings.
No official statement from the Principal has been issued in response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
Institutional Impact in Guwahati
GMCH is one of Assam’s largest government medical institutions and serves patients from across Guwahati and other districts.
The development has drawn attention within medical and academic circles in the city, given the institution’s significance in healthcare and medical education.
The inquiry committee is expected to review documentation, including written communications cited in the complaint.
What Happens Next?
The state-appointed inquiry committee will examine the allegations and submit its findings to the government.
Further action, if any, will depend on the outcome of the inquiry and the legal process following the FIR.
The matter remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the complaint at GMCH?
A senior woman doctor, an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at GMCH, filed the complaint.
Has any action been taken?
An FIR has been registered, and the Assam government has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
What are the allegations?
The complaint alleges inappropriate remarks, requests for private meetings, and professional harassment.