‘He said he’d handle it’: Gujarat PG medical student’s father recalls last call

Dr. Harsh Pandya, a 30-year-old first-year PG Microbiology student at the Government Medical College in Surat, tragically took his own life on August 9. His father, retired doctor Subhash Pandya, recalled their last conversation in which Harsh assured him he would handle any ragging issues he faced. Harsh was among at least 10 students who complained of being bullied by seniors.

The 66-year-old father, a superintendent from the Community Health Centre, is demanding severe punishment for those responsible. Harsh completed his MBBS in the Philippines in 2022 and was engaged to be married later this year. He aspired to work at prestigious institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences or the World Health Organization.

Despite his achievements, Harsh faced severe issues at his medical college, with seven students from his batch alleging ragging for the past four to five months. College authorities were allegedly negligent in addressing these matters. The family's anguish is shared by their village, where a panchayat has written to the Chief Minister and Health Minister, seeking justice and a thorough investigation.