MUMBAI: KEM Hospital and Medical College MBBS student Sejal Pawar became emotional and was continuously crying during the inquiry into her viral video controversy, hospital officials said, adding that she has expressed regret in her statement.Considering the impact of the controversy on her mental health, the institution has advised her to undergo professional counselling to prevent depression or severe psychological stress, officials said.The development comes after KEM Hospital placed Pawar on a 15-day forced leave and barred her from entering the hospital campus, medical college and hostel premises following outrage over a viral clip from a stand-up comedy show.The preliminary inquiry conducted by the institution found that the person seen in the viral video was Sejal Pawar. Officials said the remarks attributed to her appeared inappropriate and were considered unacceptable.As an interim measure, Pawar has been handed over to her family and will not be allowed to participate in academic or college-related activities during the 15-day period.The institution said the decision was taken keeping in mind her safety and well-being amid intense public scrutiny and reactions on social media.KEM Hospital and Medical College has also recommended a five-member committee to conduct a detailed probe into the matter. The panel will include a retired senior professor, a senior journalist and three faculty members.The committee will examine the viral video, verify facts and assess the broader impact of the controversy. It has been asked to submit its report within seven days, following which further action will be decided.The controversy erupted after another clip from the same show showed Pawar making derogatory comments about medical cadavers and deceased male bodies used for educational purposes. The remarks sparked widespread outrage, following which she apologised.KEM Hospital Dean Pathak had earlier said the remarks were “highly unacceptable” and stressed the importance of respecting body donors who contribute to medical education.
