A female postgraduate medical student from Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) has accused an associate professor in the Department of General Surgery of sexual harassment during a college gathering on 14 June. The alleged incident occurred at a dinner party celebrating thesis submissions, held at a local hotel.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused inappropriately touched the student and continued despite her clear objections. The student, initially too shocked to respond publicly, later informed her friends and, on 19 June, filed a formal complaint with the Head of Department and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). An FIR was subsequently registered at the Shivamogga Women’s Police Station under Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Medical students staged a protest on campus, wearing black badges and demanding the professor’s immediate arrest and suspension. The protest was briefly halted after college authorities assured students of an active investigation.

Allegations suggest the professor is a repeat offender, with a prior FIR filed in 2022 over similar accusations. Preliminary investigations also reveal another sexual harassment complaint was lodged against him just three months ago, resulting in a three-month suspension.

Despite a formal notice from the SIMS administration and updates sent to the Department of Medical Education, the accused has reportedly been absconding since the FIR was filed. The Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors (KARD) has called for immediate suspension and legal action. Activists and legal experts have also criticised the delay in the arrest.

Students and advocates continue to demand a safe and respectful academic environment, urging authorities to act decisively to prevent further incidents.

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