Sexual Harassment Charges Rock Andhra Medical College in Vizag
The suspension order states that the associate professor has allegedly abused his position of authority to perpetrate mental and verbal harassment
Visakhapatnam: Authorities of Andhra Medical College (AMC) in Visakhapatnam have suspended its associate professor in General Surgery Dr. Konkena Janardhan Rao.
The disciplinary action has come after postgraduate (PG) students have lodged complaints accusing him of using abusive language and sexually harassing female students pursuing their studies under his supervision.
Following the complaints, an internal committee headed by AMC principal Dr. Sandhya Devi inquired into the allegations and submitted its findings to Medical Education director Dr. Vishnu Vardhan.
Official proceedings reveal that the director reviewed the AMC committee’s report and charges made by the PG students. Following the review, Dr. Vishnu Vardhan found sufficient grounds to suspend Dr. Janardhan Rao under Rule 8(1) of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1991.
The suspension order states that the associate professor has allegedly abused his position of authority to perpetrate mental and verbal harassment. He has also been accused of sexual misconduct. On these grounds, the Medical Education director, acting as the competent authority, has determined that immediate suspension of Dr. Janardhan Rao is necessary to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
Under the terms of suspension, the associate professor is prohibited from leaving his headquarters in Visakhapatnam without prior permission from the competent authority. During the period, Dr. Janardhan Rao will receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with the regulations of the government.
The AMC principal has been instructed to take necessary follow-up action in the matter.