Police have arrested two men for allegedly racially harassing and assaulting a third-year resident doctor from Nagaland near AIIMS Gorakhpur. Authorities said the incident occurred on Sunday evening and sparked strong condemnation from medical associations.
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Incident Near Campus Gate
The doctor, who is pursuing post-graduation in obstetrics and gynaecology, was returning to the campus from a nearby mall when the accused allegedly began following her. Police stated that the two men trailed her for more than 1.5 kilometres.
The harassment reportedly intensified near Gate No. 2, close to the Army Camp area. According to the complaint, the accused shouted racial slurs and made obscene remarks targeting her Northeastern identity.
Investigators said one of the men removed his shirt in an attempt to intimidate her. Another allegedly slapped her buttocks. The doctor immediately raised an alarm, prompting the accused to flee the scene.
Arrests and Ongoing Search
Police identified the arrested individuals as Suraj Gupta and Amrit Vishwakarma, both residents of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh. Officers tracked them down and took them into custody soon after registering the complaint.
A third suspect allegedly involved in the incident remains absconding. Police teams have launched a search operation and said they expect further developments soon.
Officials confirmed that they are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting additional evidence from the area to strengthen the case.
Case Registered Under BNS Sections
Authorities have filed a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 74 (assault or criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman), Section 296(a) (obscene acts), Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and Section 352 (intentional insult).
Police stated that they will proceed with strict legal action against the accused based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Medical Community Condemns Attack
The incident has triggered widespread outrage within the medical fraternity. The National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS and INIs (NAFORD) strongly condemned the assault in a statement posted on social media platform X.
The federation described the attack as deeply disturbing and highlighted the victim’s emotional distress. It noted that the doctor, who dedicates her work to women’s health, faced humiliation and trauma near her own institution.
NAFORD called for swift justice and urged authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of healthcare professionals, particularly women and those from Northeastern states working across the country.
Rising Concerns Over Safety and Discrimination
The assault has once again brought attention to safety concerns for women doctors and instances of racial discrimination faced by individuals from the Northeast. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of laws to prevent harassment and hate crimes.
Healthcare professionals have demanded enhanced security measures around medical campuses, including better lighting, regular patrols, and functioning surveillance systems.
Police officials have assured that they are taking the case seriously. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and staff associated with AIIMS Gorakhpur.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to apprehend the remaining accused and file a chargesheet at the earliest. The case is likely to remain under close public and institutional scrutiny in the coming days.
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