KEM medical student Sejal Pawar sent on 15-day forced leave over cadaver remarks

Mumbai's KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College have sent final-year MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day forced leave after a preliminary inquiry into controversial remarks she made during a comedy show. The institution has also constituted a five-member committee to conduct a detailed investigation and submit its report within seven days. The interim action follows findings by a fact-finding committee that certain comments made by Pawar were objectionable and insensitive.

According to the institution, the remarks fell short of the dignity, empathy, and professional responsibility expected of a medical student. As part of the interim measures, Pawar has been barred from entering the college campus and hostel premises and will not be permitted to participate in academic or other institutional activities during the leave period. The college also asked her parents or guardians to appear before the institution for counselling-related proceedings.

The controversy arose from a comedy show recorded approximately three months ago. Video clips that later circulated online showed Pawar recounting experiences from anatomy training and making remarks about male cadavers. The videos attracted widespread attention on social media and led to criticism from several quarters. During the institutional inquiry, authorities confirmed that the person seen in the viral clips was Pawar.

Hospital authorities stated that Pawar expressed regret during the inquiry and had already issued an unconditional apology for her comments. Officials indicated that she became emotional during questioning and was handed over to her family. The institution advised that special attention be paid to her mental well-being and recommended professional counselling in view of the pressure generated by the controversy and reactions on social media.

The Maharashtra Cyber Police have registered a case in connection with the viral videos featuring Pawar, comedian Pranit More, Himanshu Jangra, and others. Separately, the National Commission for Women has summoned More and Jangra over remarks made during the same event. Meanwhile, a resident doctors' association at KEM Hospital stated that although Pawar's comments were inappropriate, the online reaction had escalated into targeted harassment and personal vilification.