Four staff members suspended, Police cases filed

Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada has been shaken by serious allegations of sexual harassment, with over 50 female students from B.Sc. and Diploma in Medical Lab Technology courses coming forward to report inappropriate behavior by staff members. The scandal, which has sparked public outrage and prompted swift administrative and legal action, centers on repeated misconduct by a lab attendant and three other employees.

The allegations surfaced on July 8 when several distressed students approached faculty members with complaints. An internal committee was immediately constituted to investigate the claims. During the inquiry, students from the Microbiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry departments reported instances of indecent behavior, inappropriate comments, and even intimidation by a staff member.

According to students, the accused lab attendants were allegedly reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol, further deepening concerns about their conduct. Based on the findings of the committee, the college administration submitted a report to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Taking serious note of the matter, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sought a detailed report from the Health Department and directed stringent action against the accused. Following the directive, four staff members were suspended: lab attendant Kalyan Chakravarthy and lab technicians Jimmy Raju, Gopalakrishna, and Prasad. Criminal cases have been filed against all four, and three of them have been taken into custody by the police.

However, Kalyan Chakravarthy, the main accused in the case, is currently absconding. He reportedly switched off his mobile phone and disappeared shortly after the complaints emerged. Authorities have canceled his leave and are actively searching for his whereabouts.

AP State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Shailaja has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and extended her support to the victims. She praised the courage of the students who filed complaints and confirmed that notices have been issued to the District Collector, SP, DMHO, and the Director of Medical Education (DME). “We will ensure the strictest punishment for the culprits,” she said after speaking with local officials to gather further details.

District Collector Shanmohan confirmed the suspensions and criminal proceedings against the accused. “We received a complaint from a student via email on July 9. This was followed by a collective complaint signed by 50 students. We are committed to ensuring such incidents do not recur,” he stated.