Pune: Internal committee inquiry conducted by Sassoon Hospital has revealed involvement of another junior doctor in the destitute patient abandoning case.

The second doctor has also been suspended until further notice. The college has recommended expelling both resident doctors from the institution and hostel for one academic term.

On the night of July 22, a 32-year-old destitute patient from the orthopedics department was abandoned in an isolated area. Dr. Adi Kumar was suspended immediately following the incident. An inquiry committee was formed by the hospital’s dean to investigate further.

The second doctor, a first-year junior resident in the orthopedics department, was seen in CCTV footage taking the patient outside the building with the help of other doctors. There was no evidence of involvement from nurses or other staff members.

Dr. Girish Bartakke, head of the orthopedics department, has responded to a show-cause notice stating he was unaware of the incident. The report confirmed that he was not involved.

Dr. Eknath Pawar, dean of Sassoon Hospital, stated, “Based on the internal committee’s report, another junior resident doctor was found to have assisted in abandoning the destitute patient. He has been suspended from educational activities until further notice.

Both doctors have been expelled from the hostel and the college for one term, and the report has been sent to the Department of Medical Education, the director, and the commissioner.”

Social activists Dadasaheb Gaikwad and Ritesh Gaikwad, had set up a sting operation to expose the malpractice. Doctors from Sassoon Hospital have been found abandoning patients in deserted locations.

Following this revelation, a case was registered at Yerawada Police Station, and one doctor was suspended. Senior officials, including the superintendent and department heads of Sassoon Hospital, are being scrutinized for their role and responsibility in the incident.