The All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA) has suspended Madhya Pradesh treasurer Dr. Muskan Soni from the association for five years after a viral social media video in which she appeared to mock the murder of Pune businessman Ketan Agarwal and used the hashtag #IHateMen. The disciplinary action followed widespread public criticism over her remarks, which many viewed as insensitive and disrespectful toward the victim.
The suspension order was issued on June 29 by AIDSA National Working President Dr. Divakar Moodautiya, who also removed Dr. Soni from her position as the association's Madhya Pradesh treasurer.
The controversy began after Dr. Soni uploaded an Instagram video commenting on the murder case of Ketan Agarwal, who allegedly died after being pushed from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18.
In the now-viral clip, she referred to allegations made by the defence in the case and said:
"That Pune guy had no hair. If you tell such lies, you'll obviously die. So #IHATEMEN. Men are in fear after two have been killed."
The second remark appeared to reference the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, in which police have alleged that Raja was killed as part of a conspiracy involving his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged lover.
Ketan Agarwal's family has rejected claims that his hair loss had been concealed before his engagement, maintaining that his minor medical hair loss and use of a hair patch had already been disclosed to the family of his fiancée, Siya Goyal.
Following the backlash, AIDSA issued an official suspension order stating that Dr. Soni's conduct violated the association's ethical standards.
The order stated:
"It has been found that she has committed acts of indiscipline and made highly inappropriate, offensive, and disrespectful remarks regarding the late Mr. Ketan Agrawal, which are in clear violation of the Constitution, Code of Conduct, and ethical values of the All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA)."
Dr. Divakar Moodautiya also reiterated that the organisation follows a zero-tolerance policy toward statements that appear to justify or glorify violence.
The suspension order bars Dr. Soni from all posts and membership of the association for five years. However, the order also states that it "shall remain effective for one year from the date of its issuance unless modified or revoked by the competent authority," creating an apparent inconsistency regarding the duration of the disciplinary action.
Explaining the intent behind her content, she said:
"I have a bit of a funny personality. My intention was that anyone viewing my profile, if they were feeling down, would find happiness and a boost of energy."
She admitted her comments were inappropriate, adding:
"I know I made a mistake I want to ask you all not to spread hate."
Addressing the controversial hashtag, she said:
"I know, I wrote, I hate men, I accept it and if it is wrong, I am ready to remove it. But there are some things in my life because of which I used that tag."
She further apologised directly to the victim's family, saying:
"I am sorry to the family of Ketan Agarwal."
Concluding the video, she added:
"Thank you so much to make me realise this. It's not a joke. I really, really apologise for it."
Ketan Agarwal was allegedly pushed from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune on June 18, 2026.
Pune Police later arrested his fiancée Siya Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary after investigators reportedly found inconsistencies in statements made during the investigation. Both remain in police custody and face murder charges. Police have also initiated further forensic procedures, including a gait analysis of Chaudhary, as part of the investigation.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
