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Amid concerns over the safety and well-being of medics at medical institutions, allegations of harassment and intimidation have emerged from West Bengal’s Bankura Sammilani Medical College, where junior doctors have accused a senior faculty member of fostering a toxic work environment at the institution premises.
The development has triggered protests and prompted the state Health Ministry to set up a seven-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The accused, Dr Abhijit Mondal, Head of the Chest Medicine Department, is alleged to have routinely avoided clinical duties and intimidated junior doctors who tried to raise concerns.
The controversy has sparked comparisons with the 2024 RG Kar Medical College case in Kolkata, where a postgraduate trainee from the same department was raped and murdered. Her family had also claimed she was a victim of threats and harassment at her workplace.
Junior doctors at Bankura Medical College submitted a written complaint to the State Health Department and the Director of Medical Education (DME), accusing Dr Mondal of neglecting patient care and obstructing their medical training. They claim that he rarely attends to indoor patients despite the heavy workload and prevents junior doctors from carrying out their responsibilities.
“We have informed the principal several times about the mental torture of our departmental head towards the students, but we had to protest and start a movement today because we haven’t got justice yet,” said Dr Zakir Hossain, a third-year postgraduate trainee. “Starting from personal attacks to threats to ruin our career, these tortures have gone beyond our tolerance now”.
Another postgraduate trainee, Dr Nazrul Musti, echoed these sentiments. “He doesn’t have the capacity to do things like indoor patient care. He never visits his own patients, even once every six months. Many accidents have also occurred due to his negligence as a department head. The entire department is run by junior doctors. If you go to protest, they will threaten to ruin your career”.
According to the complaint, a female junior doctor also had to undergo prolonged psychological therapy after she was allegedly harassed and threatened by Dr Mondal.
Following the viral circulation of an open letter by the protesting doctors on social media, the Health Department ordered an immediate investigation. A seven-member committee led by hospital superintendent Dr Arpan Kumar Goswami is now examining the allegations.
However, concerns have been raised over the fairness of the probe. The protesting doctors claim that Dr Mondal, due to his senior position, may influence the outcome. They have demanded that he be removed from his post during the investigation to ensure safety and transparency.
The principal of the college, Dr Panchanan Kundu, confirmed that an inquiry is underway. “A departmental investigation is underway. We have received the complaint and will submit a report very soon,” he told India Today TV.
The case has reignited debate over administrative lapses, lack of accountability, and the safety of junior medical professionals in government-run medical colleges across the state.
Many now fear that unless strict action is taken, the alleged culture of threats and negligence will continue to undermine medical education and patient care in West Bengal.
West Bengal’s healthcare sector has recently been rocked by serious allegations involving a senior doctor at the prestigious Bankura Sammilani Medical College. The doctor, whose identity remains under scrutiny, has been accused of using threats and intimidation against colleagues and staff—a troubling incident that raises questions about workplace culture, accountability, and patient care in one of the region’s key medical institutions.
The Incident and Allegations
The controversy emerged when several medical professionals and staff at the Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital came forward with complaints alleging that a senior doctor was engaging in threatening behavior and intimidation tactics. Sources suggest that the accusations include verbal abuse, coercion, and creating a hostile working environment for fellow doctors, nurses, and hospital employees.
While the exact nature and specifics of the threats have not been fully disclosed to the public, insiders claim that the doctor’s behavior has negatively impacted teamwork and morale within the hospital departments, which could have broader repercussions on patient care and institutional reputation.
Impact on Healthcare Professionals and Patients
In any healthcare setting, a collaborative environment is crucial for effective patient outcomes. When a senior figure creates a culture of fear or hostility, it disrupts communication, reduces the quality of teamwork, and undermines the well-being of healthcare workers. Medical professionals under stress or intimidation are less likely to perform at their best, potentially risking errors or lapses in patient care.
The allegations at Bankura Sammilani Medical College highlight a broader problem faced by many hospitals across India and the world: workplace harassment and power misuse in medical institutions. Such toxic environments can also discourage junior doctors and staff from speaking up, perpetuating a cycle of silence and allowing inappropriate behavior to continue unchecked.
Response from the Medical College and Authorities
Following the complaints, the administration of Bankura Sammilani Medical College reportedly initiated an internal inquiry to investigate the allegations against the senior doctor. Hospital officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful atmosphere for all employees and assured that any misconduct would be dealt with seriously.
The inquiry aims to establish the facts, provide a platform for affected individuals to share their experiences, and ensure that corrective measures are taken swiftly. Additionally, the local health authorities and medical councils may become involved if the investigation uncovers violations of medical ethics or legal standards.
Broader Issues: Power Dynamics in Healthcare
The incident at Bankura Sammilani is not isolated. Across many medical institutions in India, senior doctors hold significant authority, often shaping the working conditions and career progression of junior staff. Unfortunately, this power dynamic can sometimes lead to abuses of authority, including harassment, bullying, and threats.
Addressing these systemic problems requires institutional reforms, such as:
Clear anti-harassment policies with defined reporting mechanisms.
Regular training on workplace ethics and communication skills.
Support systems for victims, including counseling and legal assistance.
Transparent disciplinary actions to hold offenders accountable.
Medical colleges and hospitals must recognize that fostering a culture of respect and dignity is vital—not just for employee welfare but also for the trust and safety of patients who rely on their care.
What This Means for Bankura and Beyond
Bankura Sammilani Medical College is a crucial healthcare provider in West Bengal, serving thousands of patients annually and training future generations of doctors. Such controversies can tarnish its reputation and impact staff morale if not handled decisively.
It is essential that the investigation is thorough and impartial, sending a strong message that intimidation and abuse of power will not be tolerated in healthcare environments. Only by rooting out such issues can medical institutions uphold their primary mission—delivering compassionate and competent care to those in need.
Conclusion
The allegations against the senior doctor at Bankura Sammilani Medical College serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in medical workplaces regarding power misuse and harassment. Protecting healthcare workers from threats and intimidation is not just about improving their working conditions—it is about safeguarding patient care, institutional integrity, and the very future of medical practice.
As the inquiry progresses, stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem—from hospital administrations to government bodies—must collaborate to create safer, more supportive work environments where every medical professional can thrive without fear.
– Ends
With input from Nirbhik Chowdhury from Bankura