Surat Medical College Ragging Case: Microbiology Professor Suspended

Surat: The Gujarat Health and Family Welfare Department has suspended Dr. Sumaiya Mulla, a Class-I professor in the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Surat, for 90 days over alleged negligence in preventing a ragging incident involving first-year resident doctor Dr. Harsh Pandya, who later died allegedly by suicide.

The suspension was ordered following directions from Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, who said strict disciplinary action would be taken against officials found negligent in handling ragging and student safety.

According to the department, Dr. Mulla was found to have shown serious negligence in preventing the alleged ragging incident and in discharging her disciplinary responsibilities.

Pansheriya said the state government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and mental harassment in educational and medical institutions. He said no official, regardless of position, would be spared if found responsible for compromising student safety or failing to perform their duties.

During her suspension, Dr. Mulla’s headquarters will be at Government Medical College, Vadodara. She will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without written permission from the competent authority and will also be prohibited from taking up private employment or business during the suspension period.

The department said violation of the suspension conditions could lead to stoppage of her subsistence allowance and further disciplinary action.

Following the incident, the Health Minister has also directed all government medical colleges in Gujarat to strengthen and activate their Anti-Ragging Committees and Anti-Ragging Squads. The colleges have been instructed to ensure a safe, disciplined and fear-free environment for medical students. DeshGujarat