Gupta's affidavit to CAT may backfire in case he fails to establish his case, say experts
Having been caught in the centre of controversy surrounding the alleged tampering of Sunanda Pushkar’s postmortem report, the onus lies on AIIMS forensic science department head Dr Sudhir Gupta to prove his charges. What makes things difficult for Dr Gupta is AIIMS’ denial of the allegations, which, sources said, could be an attempt to strengthen his case of continuation as the Head of Department. Even Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that he was not apprised of any such pressure by Dr Gupta who had approached him regarding his promotion.
Gupta was promoted as head of the forensic department in 2013, bypassing another faculty member in the department Dr OP Murty, who stood disqualified in 2007 and 2009 on account of certain indiscretions. With the new director taking charge earlier this year, Dr Murty’s disqualification was ignored at AIIMS’ general body meeting to pave way for Murty who is now likely to become the HOD. However, doctors in AIIMS have confirmed that internal politics have given ignition to this controversy. “The revelations made by Gupta are a good strategy to divert attention and get his name cleared,” said a source.
However, experts said Gupta’s affidavit in this regard filed before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) may even backfire in case he failed to establish his case. “If Dr Sudhir Gupta is unable to substantiate his claims; he can be prosecuted for perjury. He could face imprisonment as well,” said Pinky Anand, senior lawyer.
According to officials at AIIMS, Murty had put forward a case in CAT saying that he was 11 years senior to Gupta and deserved to be the HOD. Officials added, “CAT ruled in favour of Murty three days back. Thus, Gupta’s allegation that “vital information” was withheld from the Governing Body at the time of the autopsy came as a clarification to clear his name.” Sources added that an enquiry against Gupta is also underway for plagiarism and misconduct. However, in a Press statement Dr Amit Gupta, spokesperson AIIMS, denied any such enquiry.
Murty, however, said that there was no tussle between Gupta and him as the legalities of the issue were clear. “Whatever Gupta has submitted to the CAT should not be linked to my case of being the HOD. It is unfortunate that Gupta is taking the help of late Sunanda Puskar to get public attention and derive mileage out of it,” Murty said.
Gupta could not be contacted despite several attempts. Gupta had also written to the Union Health Minister on June 5 against a Government move to promote a faculty member which, he alleged, was started under the then UPA Government so that he could be removed as the head of the department as he did not change the post-mortem examination report. Reacting to media reports, Vardhan said that he has sought a detailed report from AIIMS Director Dr MC Mishra in the wake of Gupta’s charge.
“After I became the Health Minister, Dr Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS had written to our department regarding his promotion. But after TV channels on Tuesday said that he has made a specific allegation, I have written to the AIIMS Director seeking a detailed information in this regard,” Vardhan said.