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Dehradun, May 20, 2025 – A junior resident doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, has been booked by Uttarakhand police after allegedly distributing sweets to colleagues and nursing staff a day after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The incident has sparked controversy and led to accusations of promoting enmity between religious groups.
The Incident
According to reports, the doctor, a native of West Bengal, distributed sweets on April 23, 2025, in the trauma centre’s emergency room. Some staff questioned the timing, as Eid had been celebrated over a month earlier. A complaint was subsequently filed by Rajendra Pandey, the district president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), alleging that the sweet distribution appeared to celebrate the attack.
The incident quickly escalated, with demonstrations held by VHP members on the hospital premises and further complaints submitted to the state’s Director General of Police and the Chief Minister’s office. After more than three weeks, police registered an FIR on May 16 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity and making unfounded insinuations against a group.
Doctor Denies Allegations
The doctor has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the distribution of sweets was a friendly gesture at the request of nursing staff who wished to mark Eid, a common tradition at AIIMS. He emphasized that there was no intent to celebrate the terror attack, calling the allegations “baseless and deeply hurtful.”
He further explained that upon learning about rumors regarding the intent behind the sweet distribution, he immediately informed hospital authorities and confronted those involved. Despite these clarifications, the situation escalated, and he was advised by seniors to return to his hometown in West Bengal for his safety and well-being.
“It has caused me immense mental stress, and I am planning to lodge a defamation complaint against those responsible,” the doctor told the press.
Ongoing Investigation
The case has brought to light the sensitivities surrounding communal harmony and the responsibilities of public figures and healthcare workers during times of tragedy. Hospital authorities and police continue to investigate the matter.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other media sources as of May 20, 2025. The details are subject to ongoing investigation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The intent is to present a factual summary without endorsing any particular viewpoint. Readers are encouraged to follow official updates for the latest information.
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