A serious allegation of sexual harassment has emerged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar, where a female attendant has accused a male nursing officer, Nanu Ram Chaudhury, of molestation.
The incident, which reportedly occurred late Sunday night, has led to widespread outrage, a formal complaint at Khandagiri police station, and a sit-in protest by the victim and her family outside the hospital’s main gate on Monday.
According to the written complaint filed with the Khandagiri police, the accused, Nanu Ram Chaudhury, summoned the attendant to a doctor’s room, locked the door, and engaged in inappropriate behaviour and misconduct. The victim promptly reported the incident to the hospital’s control room, which advised her to file a formal complaint with the police. However, alleging delays in police action, the victim and her family staged a dharna (sit-in) at the AIIMS main gate to demand justice.
The incident has sparked significant unrest within the hospital, with a group of nurses and other staff staging a protest on the premises. The protesters demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of the accused, as well as stronger safety measures and a secure work environment for female employees.
The Khandagiri police have initiated a preliminary investigation and assured the protesters that appropriate legal action will follow based on their findings. IIC Abhimanyu Behera confirmed that the complaint has been received, and the accused will be summoned for questioning.
In response to the allegations, AIIMS Bhubaneswar authorities have formed an internal investigation committee to probe the matter. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety for women in healthcare institutions, with the protesters emphasising the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of workplace harassment and the urgency of ensuring a safe environment for all employees. The outcome of both the police and internal investigations is awaited, with the hospital community and the public closely watching developments.
