Guwahati: A senior woman doctor at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has accused the institution’s principal, Achyut Baishya, of workplace harassment, leading to the registration of an FIR and the formation of a government inquiry committee.

The Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister’s Office on February 6. In her representation, she alleged inappropriate remarks, intimidation and prolonged professional harassment during her tenure.

In her police complaint, the doctor stated that she had initially received appreciation from the administration after the independent Department of Clinical Psychology was established. However, she claimed that the situation changed when the principal insisted that she meet him alone in his office building, even though routine official matters could be handled within the hospital premises. She said the request made her uncomfortable and that she avoided the meeting, adding that their exchanges were documented through WhatsApp messages.

The doctor further alleged that during a later interaction, the principal asked her to contact him when she was “absolutely free and alone” and made remarks suggesting she could meet him anytime as “the door was always open”. She described the comments as inappropriate and distressing, particularly given the professional hierarchy.

According to the complaint, the alleged conduct caused her considerable mental anguish. She stated that, as a widowed woman and a subordinate officer, she felt constrained in responding directly.

Apart from the alleged remarks, the doctor accused the principal of administrative victimisation. She claimed that despite the formal creation of the Department of Clinical Psychology, she was initially not assigned charge as Head of Department, requiring intervention from the Director of Medical Education. She also alleged that her proposals to introduce academic courses, recruiting faculty and expanding the department were repeatedly delayed or obstructed.

In her complaint, she referred to a remark allegedly made by the principal — “don’t go too fast or you will be derailed”, which she said caused emotional distress. She further alleged that during a discussion on research initiatives, he suggested including his wife in departmental research projects, which she found inappropriate.

The dispute escalated after a notification cancelled the Department of Clinical Psychology and merged it with another department. The doctor said she was not provided a clear explanation for the decision and was later told that colleagues were opposed to her. She maintained that she had independently trained 57 interns and taken steps to expand mental health services before the department was dismantled.

Following her complaint, an FIR was registered at the Panbazar Women Police Station in Guwahati, and a preliminary investigation has begun. The complaint reportedly names multiple victims.

Responding to the allegations, Achyut Baishya said that he had been directed by authorities not to comment publicly at this stage. He said, he had prepared all relevant documents to present before the inquiry committee and added that the department’s takeover in July was carried out in accordance with a government notification. He also noted that the harassment complaint had been filed only recently.

Meanwhile, the Assam Government has constituted a two-member inquiry committee comprising a senior woman advocate and a woman government officer to examine the allegations and submit its findings.

With both a police investigation and an official inquiry underway, the case has drawn attention to concerns over workplace conduct, institutional accountability and the safety of women professionals.

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