Ayurvedic college officials suspended over harassment charges in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: The medical and health department has relieved Dr Nori Ramasastry Govt Ayurvedic College principal, Dr K Nirmala Jyothibai, and progressive supranuclear palsy head of department (HoD) professor K Vijaya Kumari from their services and surrendered them to the govt in connection with sexual harassment allegations. They have also suspended medical officer Dr Mouli Nayak and lab technician KV Subramanyam.AYUSH in-charge commissioner Ronanki Gopalakrishna issued orders to this effect on Saturday, relieving and suspending the above officials.The AYUSH commissioner stated that an internal inquiry is currently underway within the institution. The commissioner has also written to NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha, requesting the constitution of an independent committee to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.Meanwhile, complaints related to the incident were reportedly submitted to the state women's commission and the govt via email. Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigations.