UP doctor's suicide bid: 'Strict action' promised over conversion bid

A first-year resident doctor at Lucknow's KGMU attempted suicide after a fellow doctor allegedly pressured her for religious conversion to marry. The UP Women's Commission has vowed 'strict action,' calling it a punishable offence demanding an arrest.

Vice-Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Women's Commission, Aparna Yadav, on Monday said that "strict action would be taken" against perpetrators who harassed a first-year resident doctor, which later triggered her to attempt suicide. The incident took place on December 17, after which controversy erupted at King George's Medical University (KGMU). An MD pathology student accused a fellow resident doctor of allegedly insisting on religious conversion as a condition for marriage.

Women's Commission Vows Action

Speaking to ANI, the State Women's Commission said, "This doctor misled the victim and exploited her. This is a punishable offence, and such a person belongs only in jail. A complaint has been filed today, formal letters have been written, an FIR will be lodged, and an arrest will be made."

Allegations of Institutional Pressure

Further, alleging institutional pressure and intimidation, Dr Bhupendra of the National Medico Organisation of KGMU said the department is pressuring the victim and supporting the other party. "We got the information that the department is putting pressure on the girl and is supporting the other. When the girl refused to convert, they started stalking and threatening her. She took this step out of desperation," he said.

He added, "We got the information that the department is putting pressure on the girl and is supporting the other. When the girl refused to convert, they started stalking and threatening her. She took this step out of desperation."

KGMU Responds to Allegations

Responding to the allegations, KGMU spokesperson KK Singh said the university became aware of the incident through social media and subsequently conducted an internal inquiry. He stated, "An incident came to our notice through social media. After a detailed enquiry, we found that a first-year girl student belonging to the Hindu community and a male student belonging to a minority community were involved. The girl is from West Bengal, and the boy is from Uttaranchal. They appeared to be in a relationship, as per the investigation."

Inquiry Details Emerge

Detailing the findings further, Singh added, "The boy allegedly forced the girl to convert to his religion as she wished to marry him. Forceful conversion led the girl into depression, and she went under psychiatric treatment and medication. She reportedly overdosed on her medicine, which had also happened previously while she was at home."

Status of Formal Complaint

On the status of formal proceedings, the spokesperson clarified, "The girl's family has registered a complaint on the CM portal, but we have not yet received any formal complaint. Our Vice-Chancellor has clearly said that if a complaint is received, all possible actions will be taken."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)