Doctor at RMLIMS Lucknow Harassed with Thousands of Messages and Calls; Stalker Arrested

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An assistant professor in the urology department at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Lucknow, endured months of severe harassment by a former patient who bombarded her with approximately 5,000 messages and 1,000 calls in a single day before finally appearing at her residence, prompting her to seek police intervention. The accused was arrested after stalking the doctor in person, underscoring the grave issue of harassment faced by medical professionals in India.

Incident Overview and Key Developments

The harassment began months ago when Mahesh Tiwari, a 41-year-old patient from Basti district, obtained the doctor’s phone number during treatment at the hospital. What initially seemed like polite gratitude rapidly escalated into persistent, vulgar text messages and incessant calling. Despite notifying the 1090 Women’s Power Line on May 12, 2025, the accused was only given a warning and soon resumed his harassment.

On August 19, Tiwari physically stalked the doctor at her residence inside the hospital campus. She witnessed him near the lift as she waited, sensing imminent danger. Her screams alerted security personnel who detained Tiwari and handed him over to the police. He was arrested on August 21 under Section 78 of the Bombay Police Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2008, and subsequently incarcerated .

Expert Commentary on the Harassment of Healthcare Workers

Experts highlight that violence and harassment against healthcare workers is a persistent problem globally and in India, significantly impacting their mental health, professional performance, and personal safety. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a psychiatrist specializing in workplace stress, notes:

“Healthcare professionals often endure harassment and violence, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Addressing such incidents requires robust legal frameworks and institutional support for victims.” [Expert interview source: Dr. Anjali Sharma, Psychiatrist]

The doctor’s experience, including feelings of fear and psychological trauma making her avoid her apartment alone, is not uncommon. Studies have shown that occupational harassment among healthcare workers is a serious occupational hazard, often underreported due to fear of retaliation or stigma.

Context and Background Information

The incident at RMLIMS is part of a broader pattern where healthcare workers, especially women, face stalking, harassment, and sometimes physical violence by patients or their relatives. According to a 2022 survey by the Indian Medical Association, nearly 75% of doctors reported exposure to some form of harassment or violence in the workplace.

India’s legal framework includes the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code covering stalking and harassment, along with IT laws addressing cyber harassment. However, enforcement and victim protection remain challenging areas. The initial warning issued to the accused and his return to harassment illustrates gaps in legal deterrence and victim safety.

Implications for Public Health and Safety

Such incidents have wide-reaching implications beyond individual victims. Harassment and violence reduce the quality of patient care as doctors and nurses operate under stress and fear, which can lead to workforce attrition and deter new entrants into the profession. Healthcare institutions must prioritize mental health support, safety measures, and clear harassment redressal protocols.

Tech-enabled harassment, such as through thousands of text messages and calls, also highlights the need for better cyberbullying laws and fast-tracked legal responses to digital threats.

Potential Limitations and Alternative Perspectives

While this case underscores the urgent need for stronger security and legal measures, some experts caution against generalized stigmatization of patients. Mental health issues of perpetrators can sometimes underlie stalking behavior, necessitating balanced approaches that combine criminal justice with mental health interventions.

Authorities must also ensure timely response after initial complaints to prevent recurrence, indicating an area needing systemic improvement.

Practical Advice for Readers

Healthcare workers facing harassment should document all incidents and report promptly to authorities and institutional bodies enforcing workplace safety.
Mental health support should be sought to cope with trauma from such experiences.
Institutions and authorities are urged to implement stringent measures, including restricted access to personal contact details and enhanced security at residential and work premises.

Medical Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.