KGMU Campus Rocked by 'Love Jihad' Allegations and Vandalism
King George Medical University in Lucknow finds itself in the midst of a major controversy. Allegations of a 'love jihad' network operating from its campus have sparked widespread anger and concern among resident doctors and alumni. The situation escalated dramatically on January 9 when a group of protesters led by BJP leader Aparna Yadav confronted the Vice-Chancellor, resulting in vandalism on the campus.
Resident Doctors Express Dismay and Anger
Doctors at KGMU are watching these events unfold with growing dismay. They report receiving constant inquiries from family and friends about whether the allegations of a conversion racket are true. Many are frustrated by the sudden attention on what they describe as an isolated incident.
"We don't have time for a breather here," says Ranvijay Patel, acting president of the King George University Resident Doctors' Association. "Now there are calls from home asking if a love jihad network is operating here. We don't know anything about it, nor are we bothered about it."
Patel emphasizes that even if the allegations against Dr. Rameez Uddin Nayak are true, they represent "an isolated incident in the Pathology Department." He points out that the vandalism at the V-C's office poses a much greater safety concern, particularly for women residents.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The controversy began with a complaint from a woman resident doctor. She alleged that Dr. Nayak, with whom she was in a relationship, had tried to forcibly convert her. She also claimed he had hidden the fact that he was already married. The matter came to light after the woman reportedly attempted suicide on December 17.
KGMU authorities called both parties before the Vishakha committee, which handles sexual harassment complaints. However, after his first appearance, Dr. Nayak went missing. Police subsequently arrested his parents on charges of forcible conversion. Dr. Nayak himself was finally apprehended on January 9 from his Lucknow residence. All three remain in jail.
Campus Security Concerns and Political Fallout
Following the January 9 confrontation, resident doctors threatened to stall OPD services unless an FIR was filed against Aparna Yadav and other protesters. Despite setting a Tuesday evening deadline, no case had been registered by Wednesday afternoon.
Interestingly, just one day after the January 9 episode, the BJP sent Yadav to Maharashtra as a star campaigner for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. This move occurred despite her role as vice-chairman of the UP Women's Commission.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intervened by meeting with KGMU V-C Sonia Nityanand on Monday. During this meeting, the probe into the 'love jihad' allegations was transferred from a university committee to the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force.
Growing Safety Fears Among Students and Doctors
A senior woman resident doctor reveals that before the allegations against Dr. Nayak surfaced, there was "not even a whisper" about 'love jihad' on campus. "We support the woman who has accused Nayak," she says, "but we had no reason to believe any such thing before she tried to commit suicide."
The doctor adds that the January 9 episode has left parents extremely worried. "We are here and know about the situation, but they are reading all kinds of things on social media," she explains. Families living in distant places are particularly concerned, with many drawing connections to the recent incident at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata where a woman doctor was murdered.
Ranvijay Patel notes this is the first vandalism incident on campus since he joined KGMU ten years ago. "I did my MBBS here and am doing my MD now. I have never heard of the V-C office being attacked by outsiders," he says, adding that it "is hampering the image of the institution."
University Response and Alumni Concerns
K K Singh, Professor in the Surgery Department and president of the Teachers' Association, headed the initial panel investigating whether the allegations against Dr. Nayak were part of a larger network. He expresses regret over how the incident is being exaggerated.
The university established the panel to address rumors that other faculty members were involved in a conversion racket, with alleged links to the banned Popular Front of India. Despite the matter now being with the STF, Singh says rumors continue to circulate. The university has even been receiving queries from alumni settled across the globe.
KGMU boasts an impressive alumni list including over 30 Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awardees, along with prominent politicians. Vice-Chancellor Sonia Nityanand, highly respected in her field of haematology, is herself a KGMU alumna.
Security has been significantly enhanced around Dr. Nityanand's office and the administrative block. A police vehicle remains parked nearby, with personnel deployed throughout the campus. The atmosphere remains tense as the university community awaits resolution of this troubling situation.
