Mumbai- In a crucial move, Nagsen Sonare, National President of the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar National Association of Engineers (BANAE), has formally requested the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to suspend the membership of Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Narayana Group of Hospitals, and revoke his medical registration.

This demand comes in the wake of serious allegations that Dr. Shetty, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, has been involved in caste-based atrocities and violations of constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students and staff at the institute.

Allegations Against Dr. Shetty

The letter by BANAE President Sonare highlights Dr. Shetty’s alleged involvement in fostering a discriminatory environment at IIM Bangalore, an institution that holds the status of an "Institute of National Importance." As Chairperson of the BoG, Dr. Shetty wields significant influence over the governance of the institute, including its administrative decisions and policies that directly impact students and staff, a substantial portion of whom belong to marginalized communities, such as SCs, STs, and OBCs.

According to Sonare’s letter, approximately 50% of IIM Bangalore’s students and staff come from these underprivileged sections. The allegations suggest that under Dr. Shetty's leadership, many of them have faced caste-based atrocities and violations of their constitutional rights. The BANAE letter raises concerns about the ethical and professional integrity of Dr. Shetty, particularly given that his appointment to the BoG was based on his stature in the medical profession, not in educational administration. This disconnect between his role and qualifications forms a critical aspect of the argument presented by Sonare, who questions Dr. Shetty’s ability to serve impartially.

Investigation Ordered by the President of India

In response to these allegations, the President of India directed the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka Government to launch an investigation. The Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) of the Karnataka Police is currently handling the investigation, as part of an ongoing writ petition before the Karnataka High Court (WP 19036 of 2024). Sonare stresses that Dr. Shetty’s continued role as the Chairperson of the BoG compromises the investigation, as he is the custodian of all official documents at the institute. The letter warns of potential manipulation of evidence and witness intimidation if Dr. Shetty remains in his powerful position during the probe.

Sonare argues that, for a free and fair investigation to take place, Dr. Shetty should be asked to step down from his role at IIM Bangalore until the inquiry concludes. He asserts that continuing in this role allows Dr. Shetty undue influence over the investigation process, which contradicts the principles of natural justice and creates a conflict of interest.

The BANAE President draws parallels between Dr. Shetty’s case and that of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who faced serious criminal allegations.

The IMA took swift action in that case, suspending Ghosh’s membership and cancelling his registration. Sonare emphasizes that the IMA has a responsibility to act with similar urgency in Dr. Shetty’s case, given the gravity of the accusations and their impact on the rights of marginalized students and staff at IIM Bangalore.

In the letter, Sonare makes three specific demands from the IMA:

1. Immediate Suspension and Revocation of Dr. Shetty’s Membership and Medical Registration

2. Request for Dr. Shetty to Step Down from His Role as Chairperson of BoG, IIM Bangalore

3. Investigation into Dr. Shetty’s Medical Practice

Sonare appeals to the IMA to ensure that Dr. Shetty is held accountable, sending a strong message that the association will not tolerate violations of human rights and constitutional freedoms by its members. According to BANAE, this move is critical to serving justice not only to the marginalized students and staff at IIM Bangalore but also to marginalized communities across Indian society.