Guwahati : A senior woman doctor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has accused the institution’s principal, Achyut Baishya, of workplace harassment, prompting the registration of an FIR and the constitution of a government inquiry committee.

The Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister’s Office on February 6, alleging inappropriate remarks, intimidation and sustained professional harassment during her tenure.

Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct

In her police complaint, the doctor stated that she initially received administrative support following the creation of the independent Department of Clinical Psychology. However, she alleged that the situation changed after the principal insisted that she meet him alone in his office building, even though routine official matters could be handled within the hospital premises.

She claimed the request made her uncomfortable and that she avoided the meeting. According to her complaint, their communications were documented through WhatsApp messages.

The doctor further alleged that during a subsequent interaction, the principal asked her to contact him when she was “absolutely free and alone” and remarked that she could meet him anytime as “the door was always open.” She described the comments as inappropriate and distressing, particularly given the professional hierarchy.

She stated that the alleged conduct caused her considerable mental anguish and that, as a widowed woman and subordinate officer, she felt constrained in responding directly.

Claims of Administrative Victimisation

Beyond the alleged remarks, the doctor accused the principal of administrative victimisation. She said that despite the formal establishment of the Department of Clinical Psychology, she was initially not assigned charge as Head of Department, necessitating intervention by the Director of Medical Education.

She further alleged that her proposals to introduce academic programmes, recruit faculty and expand departmental activities were repeatedly delayed or obstructed.

In her complaint, she referred to a remark allegedly made by the principal – “don’t go too fast or you will be derailed” – which she said caused emotional distress. She also claimed that during discussions on research initiatives, he suggested including his wife in departmental research projects, a suggestion she termed inappropriate.

The dispute escalated after a notification reportedly cancelled the Department of Clinical Psychology and merged it with another department. The doctor said she was not given a clear explanation for the decision and was later informed that some colleagues were opposed to her leadership.

She maintained that she had independently trained 57 interns and taken steps to expand mental health services before the department was dismantled.

FIR Registered, Inquiry Ordered

Following her complaint, an FIR was registered at Panbazar Women Police Station in Guwahati. A preliminary investigation is underway, and the complaint reportedly names multiple victims.

Responding to the allegations, Achyut Baishya said he had been directed by authorities not to comment publicly at this stage. He stated that he has prepared all relevant documents for submission before the inquiry committee and maintained that the department’s takeover in July was carried out in accordance with a government notification. He also noted that the harassment complaint had been filed recently.

Meanwhile, the Assam Government has constituted a two-member inquiry committee comprising a senior woman advocate and a woman government officer to examine the allegations and submit its findings.

With both a police probe and a departmental inquiry in progress, the case has drawn attention to issues of workplace conduct, institutional accountability and the safety of women professionals in public institutions.