Cong demands probe report in three days

Surat: The city Congress and youth Congress leaders on Friday held dharna at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) on Friday demanding immediate submission of inquiry report into the episode of allegedly stripping of female employees of the civic body before gynaecological exam.
Congress leaders and elected municipal councillors seated outside SMIMER shouted slogans for completing the inquiry early.“By giving 15 days time to submit the inquiry report the municipal commissioner is trying to cover up the issue. The ruling BJP and officials of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) have lost all humanity,” said Aslam Cyclewala, Congress municipal councillor.
“When we demanded that the inquiry should conclude in three days, we were told that the senior most member of the probe team was busy with some personal assignment due to which the report may get delayed. If one member is busy she should be replaced. But the report should be submitted in three days,” said Cyclewala.
“It seems SMC top officials are trying to pour cold water on a burning issue. We will sit on dharna along with the victims at municipal commissioner's office if the report is not submitted in three days,” said Pradeep Sindhav, a Youth Congress leader.
Women working in different fields expressed shock and disbelief at the insulting manner in which the tests were conducted. They said that dignity and privacy of all individuals should be maintained.
“Everybody has right to privacy. The women should be provided details of such tests in advance and their privacy should be maintained in any situation,” said Vibha Marfatia, a social worker. Marfatia is director of Sahas, an NGO working for awareness in health.
A women doctor employed at a government hospital explained, “For a gynaecology test it is required that proper method is followed where the patient does not feel insulted. In most cases, all the tests are not required.”
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If the finger test was done it is unethical. And what the authorities will do if the woman is found to be pregnant. By taking a job do women forgo their right to become pregnant
Vibha Marfatia, Social worker.
This should not have been done in any case. Actions will be taken in the issue and state commission for women is monitoring it closely
Leela Ankoliya, chairperson, Gujarat State Commission for Women