Dr Sejal Pawar, a medical student from Mumbai’s KEM Hospital has fallen under scrutiny on Friday after she allegedly made derogatory remarks regarding the handling of cadavers by her and some of her batchmates during a stand-up comedy show hosted by comedian Pranit More earlier. A clip mentioning the comments made by her were recorded during the show and went viral online, soon after the Rs 370 biryani remark made by another man from the audience, which kicked up a row.
Similar to the backlash faced by the man who referred to the Rs 370 biryani as a warrant to assume charge of the woman he went on a date with, Dr Pawar also faced heat online. Medical professionals, students and the general public have condemned her statements as well as action.
Dr Sejal Pawar
What did Dr Pawar say during the show?
The controversy stems from a clip recorded during More’s show, in which Pawar spoke about experiences involving cadavers used in anatomy studies. She said when bodies of dead males used to arrive at the hospital mortuary, she and some of her batchmates cum friends used to inspect the penis size of the deceased. After the clip began making rounds online, viewers termed it ‘insensitive’ and disrespectful towards deceased body donors.
While Pawar’s statements, and the statements of the man who kicked up the Rs 370 biryani row ignited debate online, the former’s remarks particularly angered members of the medical fraternity. The medical fraternity members argued that body donors deserve the highest degree of respect.
Dr Sejal Pawar at the comedy show (Left) and Comedian Pranit More (Right)
KEM Hospital orders probe
Reacting sharply to the controversy, the King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, where Pawar was enrolled as an MBBS student, has ordered a probe. Hospital Dean Harish M Pathak said the institution does not tolerate any form of disrespect towards dead people or body donors.
He added, “Such remarks are completely unacceptable and intolerable,” confirming that a two-member committee had been constituted to investigate the incident.
He maintained that cadavers play a key role in medical education and are treated with utmost dignity, as well as respect. As per hospital administration, appropriate action is likely to be considered once the inquiry committee submits its findings.
Dr Pawar issued public apology on Thursday
After facing intense heat online, Dr Pawar issued a video statement as a public apology, acknowledging that her comments had triggered offence. She said that after watching the clip herself, she understood why many people found the comments inappropriate. She maintained that she did not hold the intent to disrespect anyone, and admitted that the impact of her words mattered more than the intent behind them.
She described the episode as a learning experience, adding that it had encouraged her to reflect on how sensitive subjects should be discussed more thoughtfully and responsibly.
Medical Students’ Association demands action
In the aftermath of the incident, the All India Medical Students’ (AIMSA) condemned the remarks strongly, calling them insensitive and disrespectful to body donors who contribute to medical education through selfless acts of donation.
The organisation emphasised that every cadaver represents an individual who chose to advance medical science and help train future doctors. AIMSA then urged authorities to uphold the principles of professionalism, ethics and human dignity.
Towards the end, the AIMSA has demanded a public apology and strict action against the ones responsible, while also calling on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to prevent the circulation of similar content in the future. AIMSA further warned that it may explore legal recourse if necessary.