Serious allegations of sexual exploitation have surfaced at the Vardhman Institute of Medical Sciences in Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, casting a shadow on the hometown of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Multiple female students have come forward, accusing five individuals, including the Head of Department (HOD), of engaging in molestation.
Bihar Police announced through a statement on social media platform X that a case has been registered against HOD Vijender Prasad, Dr Nirmal Kumar, Dr Jitesh, Dr Ajay Kumar, and Clerk Niranjan Kumar, with further actions underway.
पावापुरी ओ०पी अंतर्गत अवस्थित V.I.M.S पावापुरी मेडिकल कॉलेज की छात्रा के द्वारा आरोप लगाया गया कि दिनांक 06.12.23 को प्रायोगिक एवं मौखिक परीक्षा के दौरान अस्पताल के निश्चेतना विभाग में वहां के डॉक्टरों एवं अन्य के द्वारा छेड़खानी किया गया है। pic.twitter.com/4zNu0a7ghD
— Nalanda Police (@PoliceNalanda) December 7, 2023
According to reports, the female students allege that the HOD attempted to coerce them into inappropriate acts, claiming it was necessary to pass exams. The accused individuals are said to have directed the students to the bathroom, suggesting that passing exams was contingent on reciprocating with sexual favours. The students also accused them of engaging in coercive and inappropriate conversations.
The incident reportedly unfolded after an oral examination on December 6, 2023. Following the exams, female students were called back to the college via phone and individually summoned to the HOD’s room, where inappropriate behaviour ensued.
One student recounted, “Sir said that you have got such low marks. What will you do? Will you pass or fail? I said I wanted to pass. He said, ‘Let’s go to the bathroom.’ When I refused, he grabbed me forcefully. I started crying, and he left me. Dr. Ajay Kumar and Dr. Jitesh Kumar held me.”
Another student claimed the accused were in an inebriated state during the incident. She alleged that Dr Nirmal Kumar asked her to touch his feet for blessings after declaring her the topper, but when she bent down, he attempted to kiss her. The aggrieved students are pursuing the course of OT Assistant.
Initially, the students claimed their allegations were not taken seriously, and they were sent away from the police station. However, local outpost in charge Anita Kumari denied the allegations, stating that the police are actively investigating the case. College principal Dr Ashok Kumar reported that a team has been formed by the district magistrate to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
