AIIMS Bhopal professor alleges harassment by HOD:Says she was threatened and made to sit alone; alleges mental harassment

A case of alleged harassment has surfaced again at AIIMS Bhopal. Dr Shruti Dubey, Assistant Professor in the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, has accused her Head of Department (HOD), Dr Mohammad Yunus, of intimidation, threats, and mental harassment. The complaint has been confirmed by the AIIMS administration and is now under investigation by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Complaint filed against HOD Dr Dubey has alleged that Dr Yunus forced her to sit alone with him in a room, where he intimidated and threatened her. She also said he humiliated her in front of colleagues during a departmental meeting. According to her complaint, the constant mental pressure has made her feel unsafe in the workplace. Incident inside the ICU Dr Dubey stated that the incident took place on 7 August 2025 at 10:40 AM. She said Dr Yunus entered the ICU’s counselling room without prior notice and ordered her to report to duty in the Trauma Department. When she informed him that her posting in the ICU was based on the Executive Director’s order, Dr Yunus allegedly said such orders “had no value”. He warned her that not following his instructions could affect her approval period. Dr Dubey wrote that he repeatedly threatened and pressured her. “I was forced to sit alone in the room with him and felt extremely uncomfortable,” she said in her complaint. Public humiliation alleged Dr Dubey further mentioned that around 11 AM, during a departmental meeting, Dr Yunus publicly humiliated her. She said the HOD falsely told faculty and residents that she had agreed to work in the Trauma Department. When she denied it, he shouted in front of everyone, saying, “You are not needed here.” Mentally distressed and considering resignation Dr Dubey wrote that the repeated humiliation and pressure had left her mentally distressed. “I am at the beginning of my career, but working in such an environment could harm my mental health and career,” she stated. She urged the Internal Complaints Committee to ensure a safe and respectful workplace. Otherwise, she said, she would be unable to continue her job. Another doctor supports HOD Another female doctor from the department has reportedly supported Dr Yunus. She told the management that the HOD had called Dr Dubey for a meeting to maintain discipline and assign departmental duties. She said Dr Dubey often avoided work and lodged a complaint when asked to take responsibility. The senior professor claimed that Dr Dubey had not taken regular classes or participated seriously in departmental activities for over a year. According to her, when the HOD showed strictness, Dr Dubey reacted by filing the complaint. AIIMS confirms receipt of complaint AIIMS Bhopal’s administration has confirmed receiving the complaint but has not yet announced any official investigation or action. Sources said that the Internal Complaints Committee has begun recording statements from those involved. The administration has assured that the inquiry will be fair and impartial, ensuring safety and dignity for all employees at the institute.