Dr. Amritlal Rohleder, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Bemetara district in Chhattisgarh, has been suspended with immediate effect by the state government following a preliminary inquiry that substantiated allegations of inappropriate behavior and harassment against female health workers. During the suspension period, his headquarters has been shifted to Jagdalpur in the Bastar division. The action comes after complaints emerged detailing persistent misconduct during official duties.
Details of the Allegations During Training
According to the complaints filed by the affected female personnel, the officer used training sessions as a pretext to call women and young girls close under the guise of explaining disease symptoms, and subsequently touched them inappropriately with malicious intent. Victims stated that he would use practical demonstrations of conditions like dehydration or stomach ailments to subject them to unwanted physical contact. Furthermore, during official meetings, it was his habit to publicly pull female employees toward him and use abusive and foul language against them.
Protests and Appointment of Inquiry Officer
The controversy came to light in the first week of August when the aggrieved women shared their ordeals. The revelations sparked widespread outrage, leading the National Health Mission Association to stage aggressive protests demanding the immediate removal of the accused officer. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the state government appointed Indrajeet Barman, Additional Director of the Health Department, as the inquiry officer to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Statements Recorded and Future Action
During the detailed inquiry conducted by Barman, sequential statements of around 70 male and female health workers and other hospital staff were recorded. A majority of the employees corroborated the allegations of inappropriate conduct and obscene behavior by Dr. Rohleder. Following the confirmation of the charges in the investigation report, the state enforced the suspension, creating a stir within the health administration. Departmental sources indicate that a formal departmental inquiry will now be initiated against him, which could pave the way for further strict disciplinary actions.
