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

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

The AIIMS administrative department initiated an investigation into the allegations and constituted a two-member committee on Tuesday after the watchman lodged a formal complaint into the matter on October 3.

According to an office memorandum dated October 15, the investigation 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 committee for redressal of grievances of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Castes. Dr Kaur, head of the biophysics department, also chairs the medical institute’s internal sexual harassment complaints committee.

“A copy of the complaint letter dated 03.10.2024 received from a female security officer requesting that the allegations can be verified by the two committees… and submit an investigation report/preliminary investigation report along with the materials of evidence placed on record by both the committees… This is published with the approval of the Director, AIIMS, New Delhi,” the office memorandum said.

The administrative officer ordered the two committees to submit a preliminary report along with supporting documents within one week from the date of publication of the internal order.

Although the AIIMS administrative authorities have not issued any official response to the matter, senior officials have unofficially acknowledged the incident and said an investigation is underway.

“Given that the investigation into this matter is currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment in this regard. Let the report come,” said an official at the institute, speaking on condition of anonymity.