Associate professor at MKCG Berhampur faces harassment allegations

The Post-Graduate (PG) students of MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) in Berhampur City of Ganjam district leveled serious accusations of mental harassment against an associate professor of the institution, sources said on Thursday.

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According to sources, the students have alleged that the Associate Professor Bharati Das of the Pediatrics Department subjected them to significant mental torture.

MKCG authorities have intervened, calling both parties for a discussion on the matter. However, the associate professor is yet to comment in this regard.

The institution has assured that an investigation into the matter will take place soon.

In their written complaint, the PG students stated, “We have been subjected to repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation, including derogatory language, shouting, and accusations without any basis. Mental harassment through unrealistic expectations, unwarranted blame, and constant demoralization, are often resulting in breakdowns.”

“Emotional abuses include dismissive and demeaning behaviour, manipulation, and threats – fostering an environment of fear and hopelessness. Intentional disruption of academic and clinical responsibilities, where residents are deliberately overloaded, denied basic support, and unjustly penalised,” the students alleged.

“This environment is breaking us down as individuals and professionals. Several of our colleagues are contemplating dropping out of the course, despite the financial and career repercussions, just to escape this daily trauma,” the students further said.

“Even more alarming, some have expressed suicidal ideas and many of us are battling anxiety and depression, with a few of us currently having sought professional are on antidepressants. The Department, which should nurture growth and learning, has become a space of constant fear and degradation,” the students added.