Surat Resident Doctor Death: 4 Seniors Suspended for 6 Months After Ragging Allegations

A first-year postgraduate resident doctor at Surat Government Medical College died by suicide at the New Civil Hospital hostel on August 9, prompting an inquiry into allegations of ragging and harassment by senior residents. Four senior resident doctors have since been suspended for six months from the hospital, hostel and all teaching activities.

The deceased, identified as Harsh Pandya, was a first-year postgraduate resident in the Microbiology Department of the medical college affiliated with Surat’s New Civil Hospital. An anti-ragging committee conducted an overnight inquiry and found allegations of verbal abuse and humiliation involving four senior residents, according to officials. Four faculty members were also issued show-cause notices. Gujarat Shocker: Delivery Worker Dies by Suicide Over Mounting Debts, Jumps From 13th Floor in Valsad; Disturbing Video Goes Viral.

Four Senior Residents Suspended

The four senior residents were suspended for six months following the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Pandya’s death. The action came after allegations that the junior doctor had faced harassment from seniors. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the allegations raised by his family.

The latest inquiry found verbal abuse and humiliation by the four senior resident doctors, Surat GMC Dean Dr Jayesh Brahmbhatt said, according to a report carried by PTI. Gujarat Shocker: Woman Dies by Suicide After Husband Refuses To Buy New Phone.

Gujarat Government Orders Detailed Probe

The death prompted the Gujarat government to order a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including allegations that Pandya may have faced ragging or mental and physical harassment.

According to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya took serious note of the incident and directed officials to conduct a swift and transparent investigation.

An inquiry committee was constituted under the joint leadership of the Civil Hospital Dean and Superintendent. The Additional Director of Medical Education, Gandhinagar, was directed to directly supervise the inquiry to ensure transparency.

Pansheriya also spoke to Pandya’s father over the phone, expressed his condolences and assured the family that strict action would be taken. He offered support to the family during the difficult time.

Family Alleges Ragging, Mental Harassment

After learning about Pandya’s death, his father, cousin and other relatives rushed to Surat Civil Hospital from Modasa in Aravalli district. Pandya’s cousin Dharmendra Pandya alleged that statements from Harsh’s fellow students and colleagues had brought to light claims of toxicity and mental harassment by senior students.

The family suspected that pressure and harassment from seniors could have contributed to his decision to take the extreme step. Dharmendra said Harsh had been pursuing his first year of postgraduate studies for around six months. He described him as a calm, responsible and honest person and said he had got engaged only a few months ago.

Harsh had completed his MBBS from the Philippines and had also worked at a good job before pursuing postgraduate studies, according to his family. His father is a retired Class-I MS General Surgeon who had served at Dhansura Civil Hospital and had himself studied at Surat Hospital. The family demanded strict action against those responsible and said such incidents should not recur.

Students Had Allegedly Complained to HOD

According to Harsh’s family, other students had repeatedly complained to the Head of Department about alleged mental harassment, torture and trouble caused by senior students from higher years.

The family alleged that despite such complaints, effective action was not taken. Dharmendra claimed that seniors would allegedly torture junior students and use insulting language, but the complaints did not result in a solution.

The family has questioned the effectiveness of the existing system, alleging that inquiry committees are formed but the underlying problem remains unresolved.

Faculty Members Face Notices

Alongside the suspension of the four senior residents, four faculty members were issued show-cause notices following the inquiry, according to the latest report. The notices included one to the head of the Microbiology Department.

The action indicates that the investigation is also examining whether there were failures in supervision or in responding to complaints within the department. The authorities have said that any individual found responsible will face appropriate legal or administrative action.

Statements, Hostel Inspection Ordered

The Gujarat government directed the inquiry committee to examine all aspects of Harsh’s death. The investigation will specifically look into whether he faced any form of ragging inside the hostel or hospital premises, or whether he was subjected to mental or physical harassment by any individual or authority.

The minister directed officials to ensure that no one responsible for the incident is spared. If the investigation establishes any instance of ragging, mental harassment or negligence, strict legal and administrative action will be taken against those responsible, according to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office.

To ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death are fully examined, statements of fellow students and resident doctors staying at the hostel were ordered to be recorded.

The inquiry committee was also instructed to inspect the entire premises. The latest findings have resulted in disciplinary action against the four senior residents, while the broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pandya’s death and the allegations made by his family remains significant.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).