UP govt orders high-level probe into KGMU religious conversion row

UP Dy CM Brajesh Pathak has ordered a high-level probe into allegations of forced religious conversion at KGMU. A female doctor accused a colleague of insisting on conversion for marriage, leading to her suicide attempt. Strict action is promised.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, on Tuesday, said that the government has taken cognisance of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) incident following allegations of religious conversion by a female resident doctor on the chief minister's portal.

"A high-level enquiry has been ordered. Strict action would be taken against the accused...," Deputy CM told ANI. 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 Demands Strict Action

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. 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.

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." 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.)