Mumbai News: Six KEM Hospital Doctors Accuse Senior Professor Of Sexual Harassment, FIR Registered
In a shocking development, six female doctors from Mumbai’s prestigious KEM Hospital have accused Additional Professor Dr. Ravindra Devkar of sustained sexual harassment. The women, who work in the hospital's forensic medicine department, submitted a written complaint alleging repeated instances of inappropriate behavior—both physical and verbal.
According to police, investigators are also searching for selfie photographs allegedly taken by the accused with the victims during incidents of harassment. These photos are believed to have been clicked under the pretext of casual interactions, but reportedly involved inappropriate physical contact.
Following the complaint, Bhoiwada Police registered an FIR against Dr. Devkar under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After the FIR was filed, the accused appeared at the police station with his lawyer. He was questioned and let off with a notice, as the charges attract punishment of under seven years, the police said.
Seeking anticipatory bail, Dr. Devkar approached the sessions court and has been granted interim relief until Tuesday, April 22. The matter first surfaced when a 32-year-old doctor, who joined the hospital in June 2023, came forward with her allegations. According to her, a female clerk had warned her about Dr. Devkar’s behavior at the time of joining.
The doctor claimed that Dr. Devkar would often call female colleagues close under the pretext of taking selfies, during which he allegedly touched them inappropriately—on the back and other private areas. She further alleged that during departmental events and conferences, he would make repeated attempts at physical contact using similar excuses.
The complaint also mentions that he pressured her to wear sarees, complimenting her appearance in the attire. Recalling an incident from February 2025, the complainant said Dr. Devkar touched her head and back inappropriately in front of two other women doctors, who advised her to take the behavior seriously. A similar episode allegedly occurred with another female doctor in March 2025.
On April 10, 2025, all six women submitted a written complaint to the hospital’s dean, Dr. Sangeeta Rawat. Responding to the allegations, Dr. Rawat confirmed that Dr. Devkar has been suspended, and the complaint has been forwarded to the Savitribai Phule Inquiry Committee for a detailed investigation.
Meanwhile, the Bhoiwada police, led by Senior Inspector Sachin Kadam, are continuing their probe. Sources said preliminary questioning has revealed several serious points, and the investigation is ongoing.
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