AIIMS debars professor from guiding PhD students after researcher attempts suicide

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has debarred a senior faculty of microbiology department from guiding students for the next three years after a student attempted suicide, accusing her of harassment and abuse.

The institute's director Dr Randeep Guleria took cognisance when recently a 36-year-old PhD student from the microbiology department had allegedly attempted suicide at his residence in Gautam Nagar with overdose of drugs on March 25, and had accused his supervisor of mental harassment, abuse and delay in his fellowship.

Guleria had ordered a quick inquiry, following which a committee was set up under the institute's dean. The incident sparked protests by students, who demanded suspension and strict action against the accused professor.

"All the students doing PhD thesis under a microbiology professor allegedly accused of harassing students have been shifted to other faculties. Also, she will not be guiding any student for the next three years," said an AIIMS doctor and member of the committee.

The fifth-year student, in his letter to the director, has alleged that he was being mentally harassed and humiliated by the supervisor, under whom he got registered in August 2013.

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