Dentist Apologizes for Mocking Pune Realtor's Death, Suspended by Association

A dentist who faced widespread criticism for making light of the death of Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal.

BHOPAL: A dentist who faced widespread criticism for making light of the death of Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal has issued a public apology, saying she has a "funny personality" and never intended to hurt anyone. Muskan Soni came under fire after posting a video mocking Agrawal's death. In a video shared online, Soni said she often jokes around in an attempt to make people laugh. "Mein na todhi funny type ki hoon. 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 said. "I know I made a mistake. It's just my nature. In the spirit of having a laugh and messing around, I ended up saying things I didn't mean." Soni also appealed to people to stop targeting her online. "I want to ask you all not to spread hate. I accept the hate I've received, but I don't want any more of it, because that isn't who I am or what I intended." "Please, I don't want you guys to hate me," she said. The apology came after All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA) suspended Soni from all posts and membership of the organisation for five years over what it described as "highly inappropriate, offensive, and disrespectful remarks" about the deceased. In its suspension order, AIDSA said Soni's comments violated the association's constitution, code of conduct and ethical values. The organisation said the suspension took immediate effect and would remain in force for five years unless modified or revoked by the competent authority. It also barred Soni from representing or participating in any AIDSA activities, holding office or exercising any rights and privileges associated with the organisation during the suspension period. The controversy stems from the death of Ketan Agrawal, who fell from Lohagad Fort near Pune on 18 June. Police later registered a murder case and arrested Siya Goyal and Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators allege that Goyal, who was engaged to Agrawal, was reluctant to go ahead with the marriage and had been facing family pressure to do so. Police suspect she and Chaudhary were involved in Agrawal's death.