AIIMS Gorakhpur third-year gynaecology resident alleges molestation, racial abuse; 3 arrested

Gorakhpur: In a disturbing incident, a third-year female resident doctor from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur was allegedly subjected to racial slurs, stalking and physical assault by three men near the institute, police said on Monday, adding that all three accused have been arrested.  

The National Federation of Resident Doctors of All AIIMS and INIs (NAFORD) has written to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, seeking immediate intervention and justice in connection with the incident.

In the letter dated February 23, 2026, NAFORD stated that the incident occurred on the evening of February 22, around 8:00 PM. The woman resident doctor who is posted at AIIMS Gorakhpur was allegedly subjected to racial harassment, stalking, verbal abuse and sexual assault while returning from Orion Mall in Gorakhpur.

“NAFORD stands united in safeguarding our members' dignity and safety. Recognizing your administration's strong commitment to women's safety, law and order, and justice, we humbly seek your personal intervention to ensure swift and effective action in this matter,” the letter added.

The National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS and INIs (NAFORD) took to social media to highlight the ordeal, noting the “deep shock, humiliation and trauma” faced by the resident doctor. The federation stated that the three men reportedly used racially discriminatory comments and stereotypes regarding her northeastern origin.

According to a PTI report, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gorakhpur, Kaustubh, said a case has been registered at the AIIMS police station under relevant sections. He, however, did not divulge the details of the specific sections invoked in the FIR.

“The three accused have been arrested,” said Abhinav Tyagi, Gorakhpur’s superintendent of police (City), adding, “With the help of CCTV footage, they were identified as Suraj Gupta, Aditya Rajpoot, and Amit Vishvkarma, between the ages of 21 and 24. The motorcycle has been recovered”, reported HT.

While describing the incident, NAFORD stated that three unidentified men allegedly engaged in persistent staring, mocking behaviour and sexually derogatory remarks. When the doctor objected to the behaviour, the men reportedly followed her up to AIIMS Gate No. 2, near the army camp area, and continued verbal intimidation. One of the men allegedly removed his shirt in an attempt to threaten her. Near the gate, one of the accused allegedly slapped her on the buttocks, an act the association described as molestation and outraging of modesty.

The federation emphasised that the doctor was targeted near her workplace while serving in a central government medical institution. Highlighting the concerns regarding the women doctors' safety, especially those from the Northeast, the association highlighted the issues of racial and gender-based harassment.

In its letter addressed to CM Yogi Adityanath, NAFORD has laid down three major demands, including directing Gorakhpur Police to register an FIR immediately and carry out a prompt, thorough investigation, including a CCTV review from Orion Mall and nearby areas and ensure swift identification, arrest, and fair prosecution of the perpetrators. 

The federation has asked for necessary security, counselling, and protection for the victim, and for strengthening safeguards for female residents and Northeast community members in Gorakhpur medical institutions. 

Speaking to Medical Dialogues team, Dr Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron of the FAIMS Doctors Association, said, this is a very serious and concerning incident that took place outside the AIIMS campus involving an AIIMS doctor. AIIMS needs to take accountability in this matter because when we open premier medical institutions like AIIMS, it is a matter of pride. However, these institutions and policies should not exist just for namesake. We must ensure better medical facilities and security for medical professionals so that they feel comfortable, strong, and focused on their work.

This recent incident has shaken the entire medical fraternity, and the Federation of All India Medical Associations condemns it strongly. The association also requests Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to personally look into the matter, ensure the arrest of all the culprits, take strict action, and provide better security arrangements for doctors both inside and outside the campus.

Dr Krishnan further added, I also request Health Minister J.P. Nadda to ensure proper funding for AIIMS security and prepare a clear roadmap to prevent such incidents. Any attack on a doctor is a condemnable act. We hope that within the next 24 hours, the culprits will be arrested; otherwise, the Federation of All India Medical Associations will be compelled to take strong action.