North Bengal Medical College expels students, staff amid allegations of threat culture, exam malpractice

NEW DELHI: North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Siliguri has issued a notice addressing the serious concerns surrounding a culture of threats and allegations of malpractices such as mark sheet tampering within the institution. The NBMCH Siliguri has expelled students and staff members involved in creating a threatening environment and alleged exam malpractice.

The NBMCH official notice read, “The college authorities have noted with serious concern about the reported existence of the threat culture at NBMCH, and are committed to conduct high level enquiries against various allegations made by students and residents. Accordingly it has been decided to expel the alleged threat creating entities, from the college campus as well as hostel Campus. “

Official notice on expulsions and restrictions

As per the NBMCH official notice, the expulsion also includes a restriction barring these individuals from participating in any college activities, except when summoned for the ongoing inquiry or by higher authorities. The individuals who are expelled include

• Avik De, Postgraduate Trainee, IPGMER (presently under suspension)
• Saheen Sarkar (House-staff of dept of general surgery)
• Soham Mondal (Intern)
• Nilabjo Ghosh (RMO, dept of neuromedicine)

The unrest at NBMCH began intensifying on Wednesday when students, interns, and junior doctors voiced serious allegations against the institution. Protesters accused the administration of mark sheet tampering and supporting a culture of threats. The situation escalated when students and junior doctors confined principal Indrajit Saha, dean of Student Affairs Sandeep Sengupta, and assistant dean sudipta Shil in Saha’s office. The protesters alleged that doctors affiliated with the Trinamul Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) were involved in misconduct and exam malpractices.

Also read Intense protests at North Bengal Medical College over alleged marksheet tampering; two officials resign

The protesters alleged that Sengupta and Shil had supported malpractices orchestrated by Avik Dey, a former NBMCH student and current first-year postgraduate trainee at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. Avik was reportedly present at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata following the murder of a woman doctor. Earlier this week, the TMCP suspended him, and on Thursday, the health department officially issued his suspension order.

Resignation and escalation of protest

The resignation of Sandeep Sengupta and Sudipta Shil on Wednesday night further fueled the unrest. Protesters claimed that TMCP-affiliated doctors received preferential treatment during internal assessments, and the administration's alleged inaction contributed to an atmosphere of academic corruption and unfairness at the college.

Protestors demand for investigation

The protesters are demanding an independent investigation into the alleged exam malpractices and a revamp of the college's internal procedures to guarantee fairness. They are also calling for the removal of doctors affiliated with TMCP from influential roles and for prompt action against those proven to be involved in misconduct.

Earlier the college administration appealed the protestors to stay calm and urged students and junior doctors to return to their duties, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed by higher authorities.