Nursing student assaulted at District Hospital Dimapur; CSOs demand justice

A 20-year-old nursing student pursuing General Nursing Midwifery (GNM) at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) was allegedly assaulted by an unidentified miscreant inside the hospital’s dental OPD room on Monday morning.

According to a statement from the Chakhesang Students’ Union received here, the crime was perpetrated by one Likao Ezung, Sweeper at the District Hospital Dimapur. As per police officials, the incident occurred between 8:30 and 9 am while the victim was reportedly dusting the OPD. A colleague discovered her in a traumatized state with torn clothes.

The hospital authority lodged an FIR with the Women Police Station, and an investigation is underway. Commissioner of Police Dimapur, K Sophie, informed that one person has been apprehended based on CCTV footage and detained for questioning.

While the accused has admitted to assaulting the student, the motive behind the act is yet to be ascertained.

Reacting to the incident, the Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) expressed profound shock and outrage over the crime, condemning it as an attack not only on the victim but on societal values. “Such brutality has no place in a modern, civilized world,” the WCH stated in a statement received here, demanding stringent punishment for the accused and expressing concern over security lapses within the hospital premises.

“A healthcare facility should be a sanctuary where the safety of students, staff, and visitors is paramount. The fact that such a heinous crime occurred in a supposedly secure environment demands immediate and thorough attention,” it added.

The WCH called for a comprehensive investigation into potential accomplices or ulterior motives and urged the immediate service termination of the accused. “This matter is of utmost seriousness, and the Western Chakhesang Hoho will not rest until justice is delivered,” it added.

Similarly, the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) also condemned the incident, describing it as a gross violation of human rights and a breach of workplace trust. “A place meant for care and healing has been tainted by such a horrifying crime,” the WNYF stated, demanding a thorough investigation and concrete steps to improve hospital security measures.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call to all institutions to prioritize the safety and dignity of their employees, particularly women. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and expect timely updates on the actions taken,” it added.

The WNYF stood in solidarity with the WCH and the victim, calling for full support, including medical assistance, counseling, and legal aid. “Violence against women, especially in professional and educational environments, must be eradicated,” the WNYF emphasized.

The Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) has expressed shock and outrage over the recent incident at the District Hospital, condemning it as an act of “physical assault, attempt to rape, and murder.”

In a statement, the CSUD emphasized, “This heinous crime committed against one of our own sisters has deeply wounded our community. While we hold onto the values of humanity as Christians, an act of this magnitude has no place in our society. The Union unequivocally condemns it and demands the strictest legal action.”

The CSUD assured their full support to the victim and her family during this difficult time. The Union made it clear that they would not tolerate any efforts to bail out the accused and would not cooperate with any individual or group attempting to do so.

The Union also expressed appreciation for the progress in the investigation and for the cooperation from the medical department. However, they reiterated their call for the law enforcement agencies to ensure swift and just action, bringing the desired outcome at the earliest.

The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) also strongly condemned the assault. The CSU described the incident as a “despicable act against an innocent student” and an attack on the safety and dignity of women. “This heinous crime is not only a grave offense but also a violation of the sanctity of a place meant for healing and care,” the CSU stated.

The Union urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the accused and any potential accomplices face the full force of the law. “Justice must be delivered at the earliest to restore faith in the system and to send a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

The Union urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the accused and any potential accomplices face the full force of the law. “Justice must be delivered at the earliest to restore faith in the system and to send a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

Expressing full solidarity with the victim and her family, the CSU called upon civil societies, student bodies, and the public to unite against such “barbaric acts” and demand immediate justice.

The union also appealed to the authorities to strengthen security measures in public institutions to ensure the safety of students, healthcare workers, and all citizens.

“We will not remain silent while such crimes continue to threaten the safety and dignity of our people. Justice must prevail!” It stated.

MT