Nagaland doctor racially abused and assaulted near AIIMS Gorakhpur
A third-year resident doctor from Nagaland was allegedly subjected to racial slurs, stalking, and physical assault by three men near AIIMS Gorakhpur on February 22, 2026. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stringent action against the perpetrators.
Key Highlights
- Doctor from Nagaland subjected to racial abuse and assault.
- Incident occurred near AIIMS Gorakhpur on February 22, 2026.
- Three accused have been arrested by the police.
- Widespread condemnation from medical associations and leaders.
- Concerns raised over safety of Northeast women.
A deeply concerning incident of racial abuse, stalking, and physical assault targeted a third-year resident doctor from Nagaland at AIIMS Gorakhpur on the evening of February 22, 2026. The doctor was returning to the institute campus from a nearby mall around 8 PM when she was accosted by three men on a motorcycle. According to her complaint, the men followed her for approximately 1.5 kilometers, hurling racial slurs and obscene remarks, particularly targeting her Northeastern origin. The harassment escalated when one of the accused allegedly removed his shirt to intimidate her, and another touched her inappropriately near Gate No. 2 of AIIMS, close to an Army camp. The doctor managed to raise an alarm, after which the assailants fled the scene.
The incident was brought to light by the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS and INIs (NAFORD) through social media, which described it as a "Shocking case of racial harassment and sexual assault." NAFORD highlighted the profound "deep shock, humiliation and trauma" experienced by the doctor, emphasizing that she was violated near her own institution.
Following the complaint, the Gorakhpur police registered an FIR at the AIIMS police station. Investigations, aided by CCTV footage from the mall and the surrounding areas, led to the identification of the motorcycle used in the crime. Four police teams were formed to apprehend the accused. As of February 24, 2026, three individuals, identified as Suraj Gupta (22), Amrit Vishwakarma (21), and Aditya Rao, all residents of Deoria district, have been arrested. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault with intent to outrage modesty, obscene acts, criminal intimidation, and intentional insult.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from various quarters. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, termed the act "deeply shameful" and a strong indictment of societal attitudes, stating that racial discrimination and sexual harassment of women from the Northeast should not be merely sensationalized headlines. Several other medical associations and women's organizations, such as the National People's Women Front (NPWF), have also condemned the attack and called for stringent legal action and measures to prevent future occurrences. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the safety and security of women, particularly those from marginalized communities and the Northeast, in various parts of India, and the persistent issue of racial discrimination. The arrest of the accused is a step towards justice, but the incident highlights the need for greater awareness and proactive measures to combat racism and ensure safety for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Nagaland doctor at AIIMS Gorakhpur?
A third-year resident doctor from Nagaland at AIIMS Gorakhpur was allegedly subjected to racial slurs, stalking, and physical assault by three men on the evening of February 22, 2026, while she was returning to campus from a mall.
Who were the accused and what action has been taken?
Three men, identified as Suraj Gupta, Amrit Vishwakarma, and Aditya Rao, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for charges including assault with intent to outrage modesty and criminal intimidation.
What was the reaction to the incident?
The incident has been widely condemned by medical associations, including NAFORD, and political leaders, such as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who described it as 'deeply shameful' and highlighted the persistent issue of racial discrimination against people from the Northeast.