Sexual harassment at SIMS Karnataka: Resident doctors’ association, students demand arrest
A second-year postgraduate student alleged that Dr Ashwin Hebbar repeatedly touched her inappropriately for over 20 minutes despite her protests and discomfort.
Synopsis: An associate professor in the Department of General Surgery at the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Hebbar, has been accused of sexually harassing a female student. Students expressed outrage that the accused doctor continued to remain on campus, even after an FIR was registered nearly a week ago.
A wave of anger and unrest swept through the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) in Karnataka on Wednesday, 25 June, as postgraduate medical students staged a silent protest, demanding the immediate arrest and suspension of Dr Ashwin Hebbar. An associate professor in the Department of General Surgery, Dr Hebbar, has been accused of sexually harassing a female student.
Wearing black badges and boycotting classes, students expressed outrage that the accused doctor continued to remain on campus, even after an FIR was registered nearly a week ago.
“How can we feel safe when the person accused of harassment is still teaching here?” one protesting student asked, echoing the fear and frustration that have gripped the campus.
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The complaint
According to the complaint, accessed by South First, the incident occurred on 14 June during a dinner organised to mark thesis completion. The second-year postgraduate student alleged that Dr Hebbar repeatedly touched her inappropriately, placing his hand on her thigh for over 20 minutes despite her protests and discomfort.
A formal complaint was submitted to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on 19 June, and an FIR was registered the following day at the women’s police station in Shivamogga.
The Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors (KARD) on Wednesday issued a statement condemning the incident and confirming that the accused has been “allegedly missing” since the FIR was filed and has not been arrested to date.
“Every student deserves to study in an environment that is respectful, secure, and free from fear,” the statement read, calling for immediate suspension and legal action.
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Delayed action
In a move seen as delayed, the SIMS administration reported the case to the Department of Medical Education and the Principal Medical Secretary only on 24 June. An internal inquiry committee has now been constituted, and a formal notice has been sent to Dr Hebbar.
Adding fuel to the protests is the revelation that this is not the first such allegation against the professor. In 2022, he was accused of harassing an intern in the OPD.
An ICC inquiry at the time reportedly found prima facie evidence, and an FIR was filed. However, the case is currently stayed by the Karnataka High Court, and no disciplinary action has ever been taken.
With student anger mounting and legal bodies stepping in, SIMS is facing growing pressure to act decisively. Protesters said they will continue their agitation until Dr Hebbar is arrested and suspended, and institutional mechanisms are strengthened to protect students from such abuse of power.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)