A third-year obstetrics and gynaecology resident from Nagaland at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Gorakhpur was allegedly stalked, racially abused and sexually assaulted by three men on the night of 22 February in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The accused reportedly followed her for nearly 1.5 km as she returned from a mall around 8 pm, hurled obscene remarks and racial slurs, and one allegedly removed his shirt to intimidate her before another touched her inappropriately near Gate No. 2 of the institute.
The survivor raised an alarm, forcing the trio to flee. Following her complaint and intervention by the North East Federation of All-India Resident Doctors, police registered an FIR and launched an investigation.
CCTV footage helped identify a motorcycle linked to the accused, and three men from Deoria district have since been arrested. Political leaders and civil society groups, including Conrad K Sangma and the National People’s Women’s Front, have condemned the incident and demanded strict action.
Stalked, Racially Abused And Assaulted Near AIIMS Gate
According to the complaint, the doctor had stepped out to a nearby mall on the evening of 22 February and was walking back to her campus residence when three men on a motorcycle began following her. Over the course of nearly 1.5 kilometres, they allegedly subjected her to persistent harassment, including obscene comments and racial slurs targeting her identity as a woman from the North East. The intimidation reportedly escalated when one of the accused removed his shirt in a threatening manner while continuing to trail her.
The situation turned more serious near Gate No. 2 of the institute, close to an Army camp, where one of the men allegedly touched her inappropriately. Shocked and distressed, the doctor raised an alarm, drawing attention to the scene and prompting the trio to flee. Despite the immediate fear and trauma, she reported the matter and sought support from NAFORD, which amplified her complaint on social media and called for urgent action.
Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the AIIMS police station. Senior officials confirmed that CCTV cameras in the area were examined, leading to the identification of the motorcycle used during the incident.
Acting on technical and local intelligence inputs, the police arrested three suspects from Deoria district. Authorities have stated that the accused have been sent to judicial custody and that further investigation is ongoing to ensure a watertight chargesheet. Officials have assured that strict action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Arrests Spark Wider Condemnation And Renewed Debate On Safety
he arrests have brought a measure of relief, but the incident has sparked wider outrage and concern, particularly among healthcare professionals and members of the North Eastern community residing in different parts of the country. Doctors’ associations have emphasised that medical residents, who often work long and demanding hours, must not have to worry about their personal safety while commuting within or around campus premises.
NAFORD, in its public statement, described the episode as a serious case of racial harassment and sexual assault, urging authorities to not only punish the culprits but also strengthen security arrangements around institutional campuses. Enhanced patrolling, better lighting, functional CCTV systems and responsive complaint mechanisms are among the measures being demanded.
Political leaders have also weighed in. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma termed the incident “deeply shameful” and underscored that racial discrimination and gender-based violence must not be tolerated anywhere in the country. Women’s organisations, including the National People’s Women’s Front, strongly condemned the assault and called for exemplary punishment to send a clear message that crimes rooted in prejudice and misogyny will face zero tolerance.
The case has once again brought attention to the persistent issue of racial stereotyping faced by individuals from the North East in various parts of India. Activists point out that such incidents are not isolated, and that meaningful change requires both strict legal enforcement and sustained social awareness campaigns to dismantle harmful biases.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This distressing incident highlights the troubling intersection of gender-based violence and racial prejudice in our society. A young doctor dedicating her life to patient care should never have to endure humiliation, fear or assault simply because of her identity. While the swift arrests signal that the law can and must act firmly, prevention is just as important as punishment.
True safety extends beyond police action it requires institutions to create secure environments, communities to challenge discriminatory attitudes, and individuals to reflect on their own biases. Educational campuses and public spaces must be inclusive zones where diversity is respected and celebrated, not targeted. Sensitisation programmes, strict enforcement of anti-harassment policies, and visible solidarity with marginalised communities are essential steps towards change.
Read more: Assam: 28-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped by 7-8 Men on Silchar Bypass; 2 Arrested
