AIIMS-R professor guilty of sexual misconduct, Victims await action
Raipur | Correspondent: Dr. Amol B. Khade, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, has been found guilty of sexual misconduct in two separate reports.
However, no action has yet been taken against him by the organization.
Three Victims including two Postgraduate Senior Resident Doctors had allegedly complained about the middle-aged Dr. Amol B Khade of sexual harassment.
The allegations involve multiple instances of inappropriate behavior, including unwelcome physical contact, derogatory comments, and intrusive questions about the personal lives of victims, who include three postgraduate senior resident doctors.
One of the complaints states, ‘he often tries to explain concepts by physically guiding my hands, neck and even asking me to palpate something while placing his hands over mine to direct the examination.
Even when I attempt to withdraw my hands, he forcefully grabs them with even more strength.
It feels as though he is determined to touch in whatever manner he desires, disregarding my boundaries and making me feel powerless in the situation.’
Allegations of inappropriate behavior and harassment
According to victim, Dr. Khade frequently touched their backs, brushed against them, grabbed their hands and arms, and made them uncomfortable by standing too close.
He also reportedly called victims to his office under the pretense of work, made inappropriate advances, and even invited one victim to his home.
The victims further stated that Dr. Khade’s remarks often had a sexual undertone, and his gestures during interactions were suggestive.
On one occasion, he reportedly demanded proof of a victim’s activities during her leave, which added to their distress.
Initially hesitant, the victims gradually came forward after realizing they were not alone in their experiences.
They submitted three written complaints to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
In two cases, Dr. Khade was found guilty, and in one case, the victim was advised to file a criminal complaint against him.
Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) Report
According to ICC AIIMS, Raipur conducted a total of 10 (ten) proceedings regarding the four (04) complaints against Dr. Amol B. Khade on 10.05.2024, 13.05.2024, 21.05.2024, 05.07.2024, 12.07.2024, 31.07.2024, 14.08.2024, 16.08.2024, 03.09.2024, and on 04.09.2024.
Brief of the Initial written complaint
The complainant has faced multiple episodes of sexual harassment, both in the nature of physical and verbal and mental harassments by the respondent.
Some of the allegations by the complainant states that the respondent came to her office in pretense of work.
The respondent had tried to lean closer to her, hold the chair from behind while working on the computer.
Other alleged actions include such as calling her (victim) to sit in his vehicle, insisting on giving lifts, lunches, accompanying him from exam duties and calling for coffee/movies.
On refusal there was a negativity in the respondent’s reciprocity.
The report further mentions, under the heading ‘Direct Physical Violations’ the complainant had mentioned numerous occasions the respondent attempted physical proximity and touches. Sometimes, he forcibly grabbed her hands.
‘He often tries to explain concepts by physically guiding my hands, neck and even asking me to palpate something while placing his hands over mine to direct the examination.
Even when I withdraw my hands, he forcefully grabs them with even more strength.
When contacted the alleged Dr. Khade refused talking to CGKhabar and disconnected the call.
Director of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. Lt. Gen Ashok Jindal told CGKhabar, this is an internal investigation going on until the whole procedure completes nothing could be said.
Brief Statements of Witnesses
According to the reports, incharge of PMR department mentioned that three female PGTs had complained against Dr. Amol Khade together in the month of October for the first time.
According to him, the PGTs mentioned that Dr. Khade deliberately darkens the procedure room and touches them in the pretext of darkness.
For demonstration also Dr. Amol shows it on their body, their limbs. He tries to dominate them.
One of the SR from the department mentioned, he had witnessed the complainant being uncomfortable in the proximity of the Respondent (while handling the stretcher). He also witnessed certain behavioral aspects of the Respondent with the patients as disturbing.
Patient alleges misconduct in separate incident
Sources also reveal that a patient with rheumatoid arthritis wrote a letter to the institution, reporting a similar incident involving Dr. Amol B. Khade.
In the letter, the patient described the doctor’s rude and inappropriate behavior, which she found deeply shocking and unacceptable.
She stated that during a consultation, the doctor touched her inappropriately, leaving her feeling numb and shaken.
Coming from a middle-class family, she had traveled from a nearby city to seek affordable treatment at AIIMS, as private hospital costs were beyond her reach.
However, after this incident, she stopped visiting the hospital altogether.
The patient also alleged that Dr. Khade not only physically harassed her but also made derogatory remarks about her husband.
He even tried to manipulate her into considering a divorce.
She expressed her fear and hesitation in speaking up, as she comes from a conservative family where acknowledging such behavior is particularly difficult.
In her letter, she appealed to the authorities to take strict action against the accused doctor to prevent such misconduct in the future, ensuring a safer environment for patients.
Role of ICC and POSH Act in workplace safety
The ICC at AIIMS Raipur comprises eight members, including two of DSP rank. The committee is responsible for handling cases under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
This law aims to protect women in the workplace from sexual harassment and requires ICCs to investigate and resolve complaints impartially and swiftly.
However, despite the findings against Dr. Khade, no disciplinary action has been taken so far.
The victims continue to seek justice, hoping the authorities will take decisive steps to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.
