Mumbai’s KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College have placed MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day compulsory leave following controversy over remarks she allegedly made during a stand-up comedy show hosted by comedian Pranit More.
As part of the action, Pawar has been barred from entering the college campus and hostel premises during the leave period. She will also not be allowed to participate in academic or extracurricular activities until further notice.
The institution has constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The panel, comprising a retired professor, a senior journalist and three faculty members, has been asked to submit its report within seven days.
According to hospital authorities, a preliminary inquiry has confirmed that the individual seen in a viral video making the remarks is Pawar. The college administration has termed the comments inappropriate and unacceptable.
Officials said Pawar has been handed over to her family, keeping her safety in mind amid intense public scrutiny and social media reactions. The institution has also expressed concern over her mental well-being and recommended professional counselling.
Authorities stated that Pawar became emotional during the inquiry process and expressed regret over the incident. The college believes the controversy may have caused significant psychological stress and has advised measures to safeguard her mental health.
The administration said it will refrain from drawing final conclusions until the inquiry committee completes its investigation.
The controversy began after Pawar allegedly made remarks about male cadavers while interacting with audience members during More’s comedy show. The comments triggered widespread criticism on social media.
The same event also drew attention after IT professional Himanshu Jangra made controversial remarks that later went viral online. Following the backlash, his employer reportedly terminated his services.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR in connection with the viral videos featuring More, Jangra, Pawar and others.
According to an official statement, the case has been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under Sections 75(1)(iv), 75(3), 294 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The FIR names More, Jangra, Pawar and several other individuals.