SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Jan 21: Dr. P.N. Mahto, Principal of Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Palamu, finds himself at the center of controversy over late-night raids conducted in the institution’s girls’ and boys’ hostels.
The controversy began after MBBS girl students filed a complaint on January 18 with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shashi Ranjan through the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), accusing the principal of misconduct.
Strangely, the same night at around 8:30 PM, the SDO conducted raids on the hostels, which many see as an unusual response to the complaint.
Notably, weed, empty liquor bottles, girls’ clothes in boys’ room were found in hostel searches at MMCH Daltonganj on January 18.
The copy of both the complaints lodged by MBBS students are in possession of ‘ The Jharkhand Story’.
Earlier, on January 13, MBBS girl students had submitted a written complaint to the MMCH superintendent, alleging inappropriate behavior and unethical practices by Principal Dr. P.N. Mahto.
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Hostel Raids Raise Questions
The raids, carried out late at night, did not yield any objectionable materials in the girls’ hostel. However, the timing of the raids has been criticized, especially since the principal was informed about the operation at 8 PM but arrived only at 10:30 PM, by which time students were protesting the action.
Students have alleged that instead of addressing their grievances, the district administration targeted them by raiding their hostels.
Allegations Against the Principal
In their complaint to DC Shashi Ranjan, the girl students accused Dr. Mahto of making derogatory comments and questioning their character.
“After we lodged a complaint against him with the superintendent, the principal threatened us, saying he could jeopardize anyone’s career because of his political and administrative connections,” the students wrote.
Previous Complaints to the Superintendent
Earlier, on January 13, the MBBS girl students had lodged a written complaint with the MMCH superintendent, alleging inappropriate behavior by Dr. Mahto.
The complaint stated, “His constant surveillance and intrusive questioning make life difficult on campus. Inappropriate comments and vulgar remarks create a hostile environment. Even walking with a batchmate invites vulgar comments.”
Junior Doctors Network Demands Action
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) and Medical Colleges Students Network (MSN), state chapters, have taken a serious view of the allegations and called on the government to initiate a thorough investigation.
JDN state chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar said, “Such allegations against a person in a position of responsibility are concerning. The government must act promptly; otherwise, we will decide on an agitational course of action.”
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History of Misconduct Allegations
A senior faculty member from MGM Medical College in Jamshedpur revealed that in 2016, Dr. Mahto had been debarred from examination duties following a complaint from a girl student.
Despite repeated attempts, Dr. Mahto did not respond to calls for his comment.
