Varanasi: Doctors striking in protest against an incident of alleged sexual harassment at the Banares Hindu University here Friday returned to work following an assurance by the Vice Chancellor that the matter would be thoroughly probed.
The strike was called off after a three-hour long meeting between the striking doctors and Vice Chancellor Dr Lalji Singh, BHU Press Publicity and Promotion Cell Chairman Prof Rajesh Singh said. This was after the VC assured the doctors that the matter would be thoroughly probed and action taken within seven days of the arrival of the accused Prof B D Bhatia who is on a holiday abroad. Till then, Prof Bhatia would not return to work at his department.
The VC`s assurance managed to pacify the doctors who agreed to resume work. Prof Bhatia is on leave abroad till February six.
The victim had earlier alleged that her supervisor Prof Bhatia had called her to his house and committed obscene acts and tried to molest her. As news of the incident spread, resident doctors and students union began a protest campaign two days ago. They burnt effigies of the Dean and the university administration at the IMS gate and yesterday had struck work except at the ICU, affecting the functioning of the hospital. Students had also boycotted classes.
The striking doctors had also warned of suspending emergency services from today.
PTI