The Gujarat health department took action against six students of the Government Medical College in Bhav Nagar after investigations found them guilty of a robbery case. One student was suspended for two years and five other students were also disciplined.Prior to this, the anti-obscenity committee of the college held a lengthy meeting starting at 5 pm on June 18 and continuing till 2 am on Friday on the instructions of Health Minister Praful Pansheriya.During the nine-hour meeting, the committee recorded written presentations from first-, second- and third-year orthopedic students. Faculty, staff and support staff also issued statements. As a result of the investigation, one student was suspended from school for two years. Three students were suspended for one year each and two others were suspended for six months. All six students were also ordered to leave the dormitory immediately and vacate their rooms by evening.Students who are suspended will not be allowed to participate in academic, clinical, research or any other university-related activities during the suspension, the health department said.Commenting on the action, Pancheria said, “There will be no compromise on the safety and dignity of the students. The state government’s policy towards robbery is zero tolerance,” he said.The minister also said that anti-social, inhumane and undisciplined behavior such as robbery will not be accepted in medical colleges in Gujarat under any circumstances. Health department officials, additional directors, college administration and anti-obscenity committee have also been directed to complete the investigation within two days of receipt of the complaint.
