KSU Demands Immediate Arrest of Nurse in Minor Molestation Case

Gangtok, India Jul 14, 2026 ALN: Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Monday urged the East Khasi Hills Police to immediately arrest a male nurse accused of molesting a minor girl at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety and protection of vulnerable patients, particularly minors, within healthcare settings. The KSU's demands are rooted in a broader context of advocating for children's rights and ensuring that institutions uphold their responsibilities to protect patients from abuse.

The KSU delegation met with East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, submitting a memorandum that called for swift action in the case, which is currently being investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This legislation is designed to provide stringent measures against sexual offenses against children, reflecting a societal commitment to safeguarding young individuals from exploitation and harm.

According to KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar, the alleged incident took place on July 4, after the minor underwent an appendix operation at NEIGRIHMS. The circumstances surrounding the incident are particularly troubling; the girl was reportedly moved to an observation room post-surgery and was left alone without the presence of a female nurse or attendant. Najiar stated, "The girl was shifted to an observation room after surgery and was left alone without a female nurse or attendant. She was allegedly molested by a male nurse. She could not shout or seek help because she had just come out of surgery and had no strength." This situation highlights critical lapses in hospital protocol, particularly regarding the care of vulnerable patients.

Following the incident, the minor informed her mother, who subsequently lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at the Mawdiangdiang Police Outpost on the same day. However, the KSU has raised concerns regarding the police's response time, alleging that there was a delay of approximately 48 hours before any action was taken. Najiar claimed, "The police should have acted as soon as the FIR under the POCSO Act was filed. Instead, there was a delay of around 48 hours. It was only after the intervention of the KSU that police visited NEIGRIHMS to record the statements of the accused and the victim. This delay gave the accused an opportunity to evade immediate arrest." Such delays in law enforcement can undermine the integrity of investigations and potentially allow perpetrators to escape accountability.

The KSU also expressed criticism towards certain staff members at NEIGRIHMS, alleging that some male nurses and other employees staged a protest in support of the accused following the registration of the POCSO case. Najiar remarked, "It is shocking to see hospital staff coming out in support of a person accused of such a serious offence. In our memorandum, we have urged the police to examine whether those who allegedly obstructed the investigation and supported the accused should also face legal action for abetment." This situation raises serious questions about the culture within the healthcare institution and the responsibilities of staff members to uphold ethical standards and prioritize patient safety.

Moreover, Najiar questioned the absence of a female nurse or attendant during the minor's recovery, emphasizing the legal requirement for a female patient, especially a minor, to be attended by appropriate staff. He stated, "The law requires that a female patient, especially a minor, be attended by a female nurse or attendant. We have also written to the NEIGRIHMS authorities seeking an explanation and asking them to ensure such lapses do not recur." This inquiry into hospital practices is essential to prevent future incidents and ensure that protocols are strictly followed to protect patients.

In response to the situation, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed that the police have registered the case under the POCSO Act and that the investigation is ongoing. He noted, "The police have taken up the case under the POCSO Act. We are examining all aspects of the matter. Since the offences alleged are punishable with imprisonment of less than seven years, the law mandates the issuance of a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) instead of immediate arrest." This legal framework is designed to ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly and fairly, although it has also drawn criticism for potentially allowing suspects to remain free during critical early stages of an investigation.

Syiem further stated that the victim's statement would be recorded before the court, while investigators continue to gather evidence. He mentioned, "The victim’s statement will be recorded before the court tomorrow, and the remaining steps of the investigation will be carried out. Once all the facts are gathered, we will arrive at our conclusion." This procedural approach highlights the importance of due process, but it also underscores the urgency of addressing allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly when minors are involved.

Additionally, the SP indicated that the police would submit a report to the Head of Department of NEIGRIHMS regarding the incident, leaving it to the institution to determine any necessary departmental action against the accused. He stated, "We will submit our report to the Head of Department of NEIGRIHMS. It will be for the institute to decide what action it wishes to take against the accused. Nevertheless, the police investigation will be fair and effective." This dual approach of law enforcement and institutional accountability is crucial in addressing the complexities of such cases.

Furthermore, Syiem added that the matter is being treated as a special report case, with the police aiming to file a charge sheet within 60 days, depending on the evidence collected. This timeline reflects the seriousness with which the police are treating the case but also emphasizes the need for a thorough and careful investigation to ensure that justice is served.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate legal proceedings. It raises critical questions about the safety of patients in healthcare settings, particularly minors, and the responsibilities of medical institutions to create secure environments. The incident has the potential to spark broader discussions about the adequacy of training for hospital staff, the enforcement of patient protection laws, and the need for systemic changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the investigation unfolds, the KSU and the community at large will be closely monitoring the actions of both law enforcement and NEIGRIHMS to ensure that accountability is upheld and that the rights of the victim are prioritized.