Tension at KGMU as ‘Love Jihad’ Allegations, Protests, and Probe Overshadow Campus Life

King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow—one of India’s largest and oldest residential medical institutions has found itself confronting a very different kind of pressure: controversy, protests, and a swirl of allegations about an alleged “love jihad” network operating within its campus.

The situation intensified after a confrontation on January 9 between a group of protesters led by BJP leader Aparna Yadav and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sonia Nityanand.

The incident escalated tensions further when resident doctors warned they might suspend OPD services unless an FIR was registered against those involved in the protest.

Soon after the episode, Aparna Yadav was sent to Maharashtra as a BJP star campaigner for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the KGMU Vice-Chancellor and decided to transfer the probe into the allegations from a university committee to the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).

The university has also submitted a report to the state Home Department seeking registration of an FIR over the January 9 disturbance, though no case had been filed until days later.

Allegations and the Triggering Incident

The controversy originated from a complaint filed by a woman resident doctor against her colleague, Dr. Rameez Uddin Nayak, an MD student.

She alleged that he attempted to force her to convert to her religion and had concealed the fact that he was already married. The issue came to light after the woman reportedly attempted suicide on December 17.

The university’s Vishakha Committee, responsible for handling workplace harassment cases, summoned both parties.

However, Dr. Nayak later went missing. Police subsequently arrested his parents on charges related to forced conversion, and Nayak himself was apprehended on January 9. All three remain in judicial custody.

Following the arrests, speculation spread rapidly, with claims emerging of a larger organized network operating within the campus. These allegations, amplified by social media, have triggered anxiety among students, doctors, and their families.

Campus Reaction: Concern, Fatigue, and Fear

Resident doctors say the situation has added emotional strain to an already demanding work environment.

Many report receiving constant calls from worried relatives asking about the safety of the campus and the authenticity of the allegations.

The acting president of the Resident Doctors’ Association, Ranvijay Patel, described the incident as deeply troubling but emphasized that even if the allegations against Nayak are proven, they appear to be isolated to individuals within a specific department.

He expressed greater concern about the vandalism and confrontation at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, calling it an unprecedented breach of campus security.

Teachers and staff associations have joined doctors in demanding action over the January 9 disturbance.

Discussions among residents often revolve around the impact of the controversy on their professional environment and public perception.

A senior woman resident doctor noted that before the complaint, there had been no talk of such allegations on campus.

While doctors support a fair investigation into the complaint, she said the widespread rumors and sensational narratives have caused unnecessary fear, especially among families living far away.

Some have drawn parallels with past high-profile incidents at other medical colleges, which have heightened safety concerns.

Institutional Reputation and Ongoing Investigation

Faculty members have expressed disappointment over the way the issue has escalated into a broader controversy.

Professor K. K. Singh, who headed the university’s initial inquiry panel, said the committee was formed mainly to address unverified claims linking faculty members to a larger conversion network.

With the case now under STF investigation, rumors continue to circulate, affecting the institution’s image.

KGMU’s alumni network spans across the world and includes prominent medical professionals, awardees, and political leaders.

Many alumni have reportedly contacted the university seeking clarity amid the ongoing controversy.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sonia Nityanand—an accomplished hematologist and former director of Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences—now operates amid heightened security.

Police presence has increased around the administrative block, reflecting the tense atmosphere on campus.

For an institution known primarily for medical excellence and service, the ongoing situation has brought an unusual and challenging spotlight—one that administrators, students, and faculty alike hope will soon give way to clarity, calm, and normalcy.

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