New Delhi: HL July 08, 2026
A junior woman doctor at Delhi’s Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital has accused a fellow resident doctor of attempting to sexually assault her inside the hospital’s duty room, while also alleging that the hospital’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) failed to handle her complaint in a fair and sensitive manner.
According to the written complaint, the incident allegedly occurred on June 4 while the doctor was on duty. The accused, identified as an orthopaedics junior resident, allegedly entered the duty room, asked an intern to leave, locked the room from inside and then attempted to sexually assault her. The complainant claimed she resisted the attack and managed to escape.
Following the incident, the doctor submitted a formal complaint to the hospital administration. However, she has alleged that the subsequent inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee caused her further distress instead of providing support.
In her complaint, the doctor claimed that committee members questioned her actions during the incident, including why she pushed the accused and used abusive language while defending herself. She also alleged that she was asked to gather CCTV footage and phone call records related to the case on her own.
The complainant has further alleged that the accused doctor was not immediately shifted from the workplace despite the pending inquiry, raising concerns about her safety. She has sought his transfer, enhanced security within the hospital, disciplinary action against officials who allegedly failed to follow due process, and an independent investigation into the matter.
The Medical Superintendent of DDU Hospital has reportedly stated that further action, including whether the matter will be referred to the police, will be considered after the Internal Complaints Committee completes its inquiry.
The doctor has also written to the Delhi Health Secretary, requesting immediate intervention and alleging that the inquiry did not fully comply with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
The allegations have sparked concern among sections of the resident doctors, who argue that complaints of workplace sexual harassment must be investigated promptly and impartially while ensuring the complainant’s safety and dignity.
At the time of publication, the allegations remain under inquiry, and no findings have been reached by the competent authorities. The accused doctor has not publicly responded to the allegations.
