Wed Jun 25 11:03:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A post-graduate student at Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences has filed a police complaint against Dr. Ashwin Hebbar, an associate professor, accusing him of sexual harassment during a dinner outing with students. The complaint was lodged on June 20th, following an internal complaint to the college’s administrative council and internal complaints committee. The police have registered the case under relevant sections of the law, including the SC&ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act. The People’s Lawyers’ Guild has demanded the immediate arrest and suspension of the accused, citing similar past accusations. Students have protested, demanding his suspension. The Medical Superintendent stated disciplinary action against doctors is outside the college’s purview, but a report will be sent to the Medical Education Department. The professor is reportedly absent from duties.
**News Article:**
**Medical Student Accuses Professor of Sexual Harassment in Shivamogga, Protests Erupt**
**Shivamogga, June 25, 2025:** A post-graduate student at Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences has accused Dr. Ashwin Hebbar, an associate professor of general surgery, of sexual harassment. The complaint was filed with the Shivamogga Women Police Station on June 20th, alleging the incident occurred during a dinner with other students a week prior.
Police have registered the case under Section 75(2) of the BNS, 2023, and the SC&ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015. This followed an initial complaint lodged with the college’s administrative council and internal complaints committee.
The People’s Lawyers’ Guild of Shivamogga is demanding the immediate arrest and suspension of Dr. Hebbar. K.P. Sripal, a member of the guild, stated that the accused faced similar accusations in 2022.
“The police should arrest him immediately, and the institute should suspend him,” Sripal urged during a press conference today.
Students of the institute staged a protest on campus, wearing black ribbons to signify their demand for Dr. Hebbar’s suspension.
While the Medical Superintendent, Dr. T.D. Thimmappa, explained that the college administration could only discipline non-doctor staff, he confirmed that a report would be forwarded to the Medical Education Department for further action. The college’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment Committee is still conducting its investigation. Dr. Hebbar is reportedly absent from his duties without notifying authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
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