URGENT UPDATE: A medical intern in Uttar Pradesh, India, has been arrested for allegedly raping a nursing student under false promises of marriage and subsequently threatening to release her intimate photographs. The shocking incident, which took place at a state-run medical facility, has raised serious concerns about safety for women in the region.
Authorities, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishwajeet Srivastava, confirmed the intern’s arrest earlier this week. Investigators are currently verifying the intern’s credentials and residential information while preparing to formally document the nursing student’s testimony before a magistrate.
In her complaint, the nursing student stated that the intern engaged in sexual relations with her multiple times, misleading her with promises of a future marriage. When she sought to formalize their engagement, he reportedly refused and instead threatened to publish her personal photographs on social media if she did not comply with his demands. This incident has left the victim feeling vulnerable and violated, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections for women.
This case is particularly alarming as it marks the second similar incident at the same medical institution within a fortnight. In a separate case in West Bengal, a female physician reported being coerced by a colleague to change her faith prior to marriage, raising concerns over the rising incidents of harassment in medical settings.
India continues to struggle with high rates of sexual violence against women. Recent data from Statista shows that over 30,000 sexual assaults were recorded in 2022 alone, reflecting a concerning 20% surge in sexual violence compared to 2021. The National Crime Records Bureau’s findings underscore India’s troubling reputation as one of the most dangerous countries for women.
The issue of violence against women in India has received international attention, particularly after the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old medical intern in August 2024 at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The perpetrator, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and sentenced to life in prison in January 2025, although he maintains his innocence, claiming he was wrongfully accused.
Despite the availability of the death penalty in India, it is rarely imposed and typically reserved for “the rarest of crimes.” The last executions, which took place in 2020, were for the perpetrators of the infamous 2012 gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman on a bus in New Delhi.
As the investigation into the intern’s actions continues, authorities emphasize the importance of supporting victims and holding offenders accountable. The nursing student’s bravery in coming forward may inspire others to speak out against similar abuses. This developing story highlights an urgent call for change in protecting women’s rights and safety in India.
Stay tuned for more updates on this alarming situation as authorities work to ensure justice for the victim and address the broader issue of violence against women in the country.
