Lucknow medical college staff seek FIR over vandalism, threaten to stall all OPD services

Following alleged vandalism at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow last week, the institution’s joint committee of employees on Monday threatened to stall all outpatient department (OPD) services if the police fail to lodge an FIR within 24 hours over the incident.

The university staff had filed a complaint at the Chowk police station after a scuffle broke out on the campus on January 9 when about 100 people, including BJP leader and vice-chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission Aparna Yadav, allegedly tried to force their way into Vice-Chancellor Soniya Nityanand’s office.

Ms. Yadav wanted to meet the V-C over the alleged forcible religious conversion and sexual exploitation of two women by a junior resident doctor on the campus.

The police said the accused has been arrested and investigation is ongoing in the matter. Police personnel have been deployed on the campus.

24-hour ultimatum

“When even the V-C and other officials are not safe on the campus, it becomes meaningless to speak about the safety of the remaining faculty, residents, nurses, and other staff. In view of the gravity of the situation, there was a suggestion to shut down the OPD starting today. However, since patients are travelling from distant locations, it was considered suitable to provide a 24-hour notice,” read the minutes of the meeting signed by representatives of the joint committee of the KGMU’s employees.

It added that “it is extremely sad that despite filing a complaint, the attackers have not been arrested and an FIR has not been filed”. “Aparna Yadav’s actions were not in keeping with her position and tarnished the government’s image. She, along with 100-150 rioters, harassed the V-C… and held a press conference based on false facts,” the minutes stated.