AIIMS-Delhi security guard accused of sexual harassment, investigation into | Latest News Delhi

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has set up a committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment against its chief security officer after a security guard at the country’s premier medical institute accused him of sexually harassing her and making casteist comments.

The AIIMS administrative department initiated an investigation into the allegations and formed a two-member committee on Tuesday after the security guard filed a formal complaint in the matter on October 3.

According to an office note dated October 15, the study will be conducted by Dr KK Verma and Dr Punit Kaur. Dr. Verma is head of the department of dermatology and dean of academics; and he also heads the Institute’s Committee for Redressal of Grievances of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Castes. Dr. Kaur, head of the biophysics department, is also chairman of the medical institute’s internal sexual harassment complaints committee.

“Received a copy of the complaint letter dated 03.10.2024 from a female security guard with a request that the allegations may be kindly verified by both the committees… and submit a fact-finding report/preliminary investigation report along with the evidence on record by the committee both committees… This is issued with the approval of the Director, AIIMS, New Delhi,” the office memorandum said.

The Administrative Officer has directed both the committees to submit a preliminary report along with evidence within a week from the date of issuance of the internal order.

While the administrative authorities at AIIMS did not give a formal response to the matter, senior officials informally acknowledged the incident and said an investigation was currently underway.

“As investigations into this matter are currently ongoing, it is inappropriate to make any comment on this matter. Let the report come in,” said an official of the institute, requesting anonymity.