Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Principal Professor Achyut Baishya has been accused of workplace harassment by a senior woman doctor. A government inquiry has been ordered into the matter. The allegation includes claims of sustained harassment and professional victimization. The complainant, an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at GMCH filed a formal complaint with the Chief Minister’s Office on February 6. In her complaint, she alleged that the principal made inappropriate remarks, sought private meetings outside official settings and created administrative obstacles that affected her professional work. She also claimed that she faced intimidation and retaliation after raising concerns. According to the doctor, the situation began with repeated delays in approvals for departmental activities. She further alleged that the Clinical Psychology department was later merged with another unit without proper consultation, which she believes was done deliberately to weaken her professional role. The doctor stated that these actions caused serious professional setbacks and personal distress.
More serious allegations in the complaint relate to remarks allegedly made by the principal during official interactions. The doctor claimed that he asked her to contact him when she was ‘absolutely free and alone’ and allegedly made comments suggesting visits to her residence when she was alone. She said these statements made her uncomfortable and created a hostile working environment, particularly because of the power imbalance between them. The doctor, who is also a widow said that the incidents caused significant mental stress and fear of further victimization. After receiving the complaint, the Chief Minister’s Office took note of the matter. An FIR was registered at Panbazar Women Police Station on February 16 and a preliminary police investigation has begun. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also directed authorities to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to workplace harassment and that the investigation will be carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, a two-member government inquiry committee has been formed to examine the allegations. The panel will review official records, departmental decisions, and communications related to the complaint. It will also examine whether administrative decisions, including the departmental merger, were taken according to rules or were linked to the alleged harassment. The committee is expected to submit its preliminary findings in the coming weeks. In her complaint, the doctor has also requested protection from further professional harassment during the inquiry process.