Shivamogga: Medical students at the Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) initiated a silent protest wearing black armbands on Wednesday, following a sexual harassment case filed against a surgeon at McGann District Hospital.Students’ protests were temporarily suspended after authorities explained the ongoing investigation process. This comes amidst Dr V Virupakshappa, SIMS director and dean, detailing the procedural steps taken after the complaint was received against Dr Ashwin Hebbar, an assistant professor at SIMS and surgeon at McGann Hospital. The complaint was referred to the SIMS management board, besides the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee.The director said the accused had been absent from work since the incident, and notices were served asking for a written explanation. The case was forwarded to govt authorities, and an FIR was registered at Women’s police station, he stated.Meanwhile, advocate and activist KP Sripal called for immediate govt intervention. He told reporters that despite five days after the filing of a complaint and FIR registration, no arrest was made.
