Cadaver remark row: KEM Hospital sends student Sejal on 15-day forced leave
The hospital said that Sejal Pawar was emotional and crying during the inquiry and has now been handed over to her parents
Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has sent its MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day forced leave for making controversial remarks on the genitalia of male cadavers during stand-up comedian Pranit More’s show.
On Friday, KEM Hospital said it has formed a two-member committee to probe Pawar’s controversial remarks. The panel is expect to submit its report within seven days.
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The hospital said that Pawar cannot enter the hostel or hospital premises and is not allowed to participate in any activities of the college during her forced leave. It also said that she was emotional and crying during the inquiry and has been now handed over to her parents.
Dean calls remarks ‘highly unacceptable’
Hospital Dean Dr Harish M Pathak said the comments were unacceptable.
"This (remarks) is highly unacceptable. We are highly sensitive about respecting the dead, especially when someone donates their body for medical education with a lot of emotions," he said.
KEM Hospital said after the Maharashtra Cyber police registered a case against More, web developer Himanshu Jangra and others for allegedly disseminating "obscene and objectionable" content on social media.
More and Jangra are at the centre of a controversy over remarks made during a comedy show in Gurugram, Haryana, that allegedly glorified coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.
Pawar’s public apology
Another clip from the same show featured Pawar making derogatory comments regarding medical cadavers and deceased male bodies used for educational purposes, which authorities flagged as highly disrespectful to the dignity of the deceased. She later apologised for the crass comments.
"Having watched it back, I completely understand why people were upset by what I said," Pawar stated in her public apology. "While there was never any intention to disrespect anyone, I recognise that impact matters more than intent."
Taking cognisance of the matter, the KEM Hospital management initiated an inquiry after her remarks sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The inquiry committee comprises Dr Anita Chalak, Warden of the Undergraduate Hostel and Head of the Biochemistry Department, and Dr Shraddha More, Assistant Professor in Medicine, who also handles KEM Hospital's social media activities.