The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA) expresses its deepest anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the heinous incident involving racial discrimination, intimidation, sexual assault, and outraging the modesty of a Naga doctor a third-year postgraduate resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh which occurred on 23 February 2026.
On the evening of the incident, at approximately 8:00 PM, the doctor was returning to the campus when she was allegedly followed for over 1.5 kilometres by three individuals. During this time, the accused reportedly hurled obscene remarks and racial slurs targeting her North Eastern identity. Near Gate No. 2 of AIIMS Gorakhpur, one of the accused allegedly removed his shirt in an act of intimidation, while another is reported to have touched her inappropriately. The victim raised an alarm, following which the accused fled from the scene.
The victim was subjected to racial abuse and sexual violence, resulting in severe physical and emotional trauma and leaving her deeply shaken and distressed.
This appalling act against a young woman doctor, who is pursuing advanced medical training and contributing selflessly to public health, is profoundly disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Such incidents strike at the very core of safety and dignity that every woman and every medical professional must be assured particularly in environments dedicated to education, service, and care.
NMSA is deeply concerned that this incident is not an isolated occurrence, but rather reflects a disturbing and growing pattern of racial discrimination, harassment, and violence faced by individuals from the North Eastern region across the country. Recurrent reports of racial slurs, profiling, intimidation, and physical and sexual violence have fostered an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability among students and working professionals who reside far from home in pursuit of education and service.
The Association reiterates its position of absolute zero tolerance towards crimes involving racial discrimination, sexual assault, and the outraging of a woman’s modesty. No individual involved in such acts should be afforded any leniency. The strictest punishment, as prescribed under the law, must be imposed to ensure justice and to send an unequivocal message that such crimes will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
While NMSA acknowledges the prompt action taken by the police in arresting two of the three accused, we express grave concern that one of the accused reportedly the principal perpetrator continues to remain at large. The failure to secure the arrest of all accused not only delays justice but also compounds the trauma suffered by the victim and undermines public confidence in the justice delivery system.
The Nagaland Medical Students’ Association earnestly appeals to the Government of Nagaland to take up this matter at the highest level with their counterparts in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the concerned central authorities. We urge coordinated, time-bound, and decisive action to ensure the immediate apprehension of all accused, the swift completion of investigation, and expeditious prosecution.
We further appeal for appropriate legal, institutional, and moral support to be extended to the victim so that she may pursue justice without fear, intimidation, or procedural hardship while being far from home. Additionally, NMSA calls upon governments, institutions, and law enforcement agencies across the country to take concrete and sustained measures to address racial prejudice and to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all citizens.
NMSA stands in unwavering solidarity with the victim and with every individual from the North East who continues to face discrimination and violence. We trust that the authorities will act with urgency, sensitivity, and firmness, and that this case will result in swift and exemplary justice.
Issued from the Office of the
Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA)