AIIMS Rishikesh doctor distributes sweets after Pahalgam attack, booked

Dehradun: A day after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April, 2025 that claimed 26 lives of innocent tourists, a junior resident doctor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, was reportedly found distributing sweets to colleagues and nursing staff on April 23 claiming it was a celebration of eid which was over a month ago.

Suspecting his action to be a celebration of the heinous killing of tourists, a complaint was filed against the doctor. More than 3 weeks later, the police registered an FIR on May 16 under BNS sections 196(1)(a) and 196(1)(b) (promoting enmity and disharmony between different religious groups), and 197(1)(a) (making unfounded insinuations against a group).

According to a recent media report, the doctor, a resident of West Bengal, has been accused of promoting enmity between different religious groups and hurting the public's sentiments. When the incident grabbed the attention of the police and became a public issue, he was advised by his seniors to return to his hometown in Bengal.

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However, denying the accusations, the doctor claimed that he had no intent behind distributing the sweets and that it was simply to celebrate the Eid as per requests by the nursing staff, who demanded a biryani and sweets celebration.

Meanwhile, the complaint filed by Rajendra Pandey, district president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), claimed that the sweet distribution appeared to be a celebration of the terror attack.

Speaking to TOI, Pandey said, "The doctor distributed sweets to nursing staff and colleagues in the trauma centre's emergency room. When one of the staffers asked him why he was distributing sweets, he said they were for Eid. However, Eid was celebrated a month ago, and it seemed odd."

Ragged and upset over the doctor's action, Vishwa Hindu Parishad held a demonstration on the hospital premises in late April, demanding action from the hospital administration.

Naresh Uniyal from Bajrang Dal, who supported the complaint, said they wrote to the state’s Director General of Police and also informed the Chief Minister’s office when no action came from the hospital management. Later, a case was registered against the doctor.

Refuting the allegations, the doctor told TOI, "All allegations about me distributing sweets to mark the Pahalgam killings are not only baseless but deeply hurtful. I came back to the hospital on April 8 after celebrating Eid with my family. On April 23, while working in the emergency room, a nursing officer requested sweets and biryani in celebration of Eid. I agreed as it had been a friendly tradition at AIIMS to share sweets or delicacies on festivals or personal occasions. So, I ordered sweets and food for the nursing staff. Some didn't eat, but most enjoyed it."

"On April 25, a nursing staff member informed me that 'rumours' were circulating about the intent behind the sweet distribution. I immediately informed the administrative officer and other seniors about it. I even confronted the person suspected of spreading the rumour, but he denied it. The next day, police summoned both of us, and it was decided that the matter would be closed amicably," he added.

Soon after, he went back to his hometown in West Bengal on the advice of his seniors. He later found out a formal police case had been filed.

"It has caused me immense mental stress, and I am planning to lodge a defamation complaint against those responsible," he added.

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