A third-year resident doctor from Nagaland posted at AIIMS Gorakhpur was allegedly subjected to racial abuse, stalking, and physical assault by three unidentified men near the institute’s campus on Sunday evening, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the safety of medical professionals and discrimination against people from the Northeast.
According to police, the incident occurred around 8 pm on February 22 when the obstetrics and gynaecology resident was returning to campus and walking toward Gate No. 2 near the Army camp. The accused allegedly followed her for nearly 1.5 kilometres before confronting her close to the institute entrance.
Gorakhpur Senior Superintendent of Police Kaustubh confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the AIIMS police station under relevant legal provisions. While specific sections invoked in the case were not disclosed, the officer stated that investigators are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspects. Police have analysed CCTV footage and traced a motorcycle believed to be linked to the accused. Four separate police teams have been deployed to track them down, and authorities have assured strict action once arrests are made.
In her complaint, the doctor alleged that the men passed obscene remarks and used racial slurs targeting her northeastern identity. She stated that the harassment escalated when one of the accused allegedly removed his shirt to intimidate her, while another reportedly touched her inappropriately. After she raised an alarm, the three men fled the scene.
The incident drew strong reactions from the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance (NAFORD), which highlighted the case on social media and described it as an instance of racial harassment combined with sexual assault. According to the organisation, the accused initially stared at and mocked the doctor near Orion Mall before following her toward the AIIMS campus while continuing to hurl abusive and discriminatory remarks. The federation said the alleged assault caused significant psychological trauma and humiliation to the doctor, noting the irony that a healthcare professional dedicated to women’s health faced such treatment near her own workplace.
The incident also prompted political condemnation. Nagaland Chief Minister Conrad Sangma termed the episode “deeply shameful” and called for stringent action against those responsible. In a statement shared online, he said incidents involving racial discrimination and harassment of people from the Northeast should not become recurring headlines that fade without accountability. Emphasising the seriousness of the allegations, he urged authorities to ensure strong legal action, stating that such acts are unacceptable in a civilised society.
Police officials said efforts to identify and arrest the accused are ongoing, and further legal action will follow as the investigation progresses. The case has once again brought attention to concerns raised by students and professionals from northeastern states regarding racial discrimination and personal safety in different parts of the country.
