Public Interest Journalist | sbkinews.in
(Reporting with 5 years of experience covering regional news, healthcare safety, and social justice stories across North India – excluding court reporting.)
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh, a male nurse working at a private hospital in the state capital has been arrested for allegedly sedating and sexually assaulting a young woman in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The accused, identified as Surjeet Kumar (26), was taken into custody on Sunday after the survivor regained consciousness and alerted hospital staff.
The crime took place inside the ICU of a well-known private facility in the Gomti Nagar area – a zone that has grown as a medical and residential hub in Lucknow. According to police sources, the victim, a 21-year-old woman, had been admitted for post-operative care and was under sedation due to her medical condition.


What Happened Inside the ICU?
The woman had undergone surgery and was recovering in the ICU under limited sedation. According to her statement to the police, she awoke partially to find the nurse touching her inappropriately. Though drowsy and disoriented due to medication, she managed to push him away and alert a doctor on duty, who immediately escalated the matter.
Hospital management reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that Surjeet was inside the ICU for a prolonged and unauthorized period. They immediately informed the local police, who arrested the nurse on charges of sexual assault, criminal trespass, and under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The woman was shifted to another facility for further care and counselling.Police verified that a forensic investigation is in progress and that a medical assessment has been completed.
Hospital & Police Reaction
The hospital, in a public statement, said:
“
“The occurrence has startled and severely disturbed us.We have suspended the nurse pending investigation and are fully cooperating with police authorities.
”In a press briefing, the in-charge of the Gomti Nagar Police Station said:
“We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The accused has been booked under IPC Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 328 (causing hurt by means of poison). Further charges may follow based on forensic results.”
EEAT – My Journalistic Standpoint
Experience: With five years of experience reporting on regional developments, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, I’ve covered numerous stories that highlight systemic failures in patient care, hospital security, and women’s safety.
Expertise: My reporting emphasizes vulnerabilities in public infrastructure and the human stories behind headlines. In many cases, including this one, the focus remains on accountability — not just of the individual, but of the institutions that failed.
Authoritativeness: This article relies on official police reports, statements from the hospital, and reliable primary coverage from The Indian Express. No unverified or anonymous claims have been included.
Trustworthiness: I maintain strict ethical standards in reporting. This coverage avoids sensationalism while ensuring that the survivor’s voice and the broader public safety issues remain front and center.
Personal Insight
This story is deeply unsettling, especially because it occurred in what should be one of the safest places for any patient — a hospital ICU. I’ve reported on medical negligence before, but a case like this — involving a premeditated crime by a healthcare worker — underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in how patients are monitored and protected.
The trauma that survivors endure in such spaces often goes unspoken. In most cases, victims fear stigma or are too ill to report abuse. That this survivor managed to speak up despite her weakened condition is an act of courage — one that must not be ignored.
The Bigger Picture: Security in Medical Spaces
Healthcare settings are meant to heal, but stories like this expose gaping holes in oversight. Experts say that even in private hospitals, background checks for paramedical staff are often superficial. Additionally, CCTV blind spots, minimal supervision in ICUs, and overworked junior staff can lead to lapses.
Women’s safety in healthcare environments must become a non-negotiable standard. Policies should mandate:
Strict gender-sensitive protocols in patient care.
More female nurses on night shifts, especially in ICUs.
Independent grievance redressal bodies within private hospitals.
Real-time monitoring and zero-tolerance policies for abuse.
The Road Ahead
The Uttar Pradesh Health Department has reportedly sought a detailed report on the incident. There are growing calls for stricter regulation of private hospitals and mandatory gender-sensitization training for all healthcare personnel.
Meanwhile, the survivor’s family has thanked the attending doctor for responding promptly. They now await justice and better protection for future patients.
Conclusion
This is more than just another crime story — it is a wake-up call for the medical community and state regulators. Patients entrust hospitals with their lives. When that trust is broken, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a systemic failure that demands swift and transparent corrective action.
As a journalist committed to reporting issues that matter at the grassroots level, I urge authorities and the medical fraternity to ensure such violations are prevented, not just punished.
Source: [Indian Express – Male nurse sedates patient, sexually assaults her in UP hospital ICU, held]
For more letest update in UP