Daijiworld Media Network - Kakinada

Kakinada, Jul 12: In a shocking incident, four paramedical staff members of Rangaraya Medical College (RMC) in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, have been suspended over charges of sexual harassment filed by 55 female undergraduate students from the medical laboratory technology branch.

The suspended employees include lab attendant V Kalyan Chakravarthy, and lab technicians S Gopala Krishna (Biochemistry), B Jimmy Raju (Microbiology), and KVVS Prasada Rao (Pathology), as per a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Friday.

RMC principal and additional director of medical education, A Vishnu Vardhan, confirmed the suspension, stating the action was based on the findings of an internal inquiry committee formed after students filed complaints on July 9. Following the committee’s report, the college also lodged a formal complaint with the Kakinada police.

Kakinada Superintendent of Police G Bindu Madhav said three of the accused have been taken into custody for questioning, while Kalyan Chakravarthy remains absconding. “Investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, upon learning about the incident, directed officials to take strict action. The medical and health department promptly submitted a report to the CM, as per the CMO statement.

The preliminary inquiry revealed that the accused staff members had been subjecting the students to inappropriate and disturbing acts, including unwelcome physical contact. The inquiry committee heard testimonies from all 55 students until Thursday night before submitting its final report.

“Based on the committee’s findings, the chief minister ordered firm action against the accused,” the statement added.

RMC principal Vishnu Vardhan described the acts as “disgusting” and “traumatic” for the victims, underscoring the severity of the harassment and the urgent need for accountability.