A disturbing case of alleged sexual misconduct in Gurugram has once again brought attention to the vulnerability of foreign nationals living and working in India. On November 7, a 55-year-old South Korean woman reported being molested by a physiotherapist during a treatment session at a centre located in Sector 53. The incident, which unfolded in a professional healthcare setting where patients expect safety and dignity, has raised serious concerns about accountability and the protection of women, particularly expatriates seeking medical services.

The woman, employed at a private company in Gurugram, initially chose not to immediately report the incident but filed her complaint with the police on November 14—one week after the alleged assault. According to the information shared by police officials and cited by news agency PTI, the victim stated that during her therapy session, the physiotherapist not only behaved inappropriately but also molested her under the pretext of treatment. When she resisted his advances and attempted to stop the misconduct, the accused allegedly responded with rude behaviour, adding to her distress.

Police officials have noted that the recording of the woman’s formal statement is still pending due to the unavailability of a translator fluent in Korean. Without an accurate translation, investigators have been cautious to ensure the process respects her account and prevents any miscommunication that could affect the credibility or progression of the case. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to locate and arrest the accused physiotherapist, who has absconded since the complaint came to light. The police have stated that teams have been deployed to trace the suspect, and preliminary inquiries at the centre have already begun.

This incident takes place against the backdrop of another alarming case involving a foreign woman in India, reported on the very same day. In Mumbai, a French national working for her country’s consulate was allegedly molested by a scooter-borne man in Bandra. The 27-year-old victim, employed as a French teacher with the consulate, had been returning to her accommodation shortly after midnight on November 8, following a visit to a friend in Pali Hill. Police reports indicate that the accused had been stalking her for several days, observing her movements before choosing the moment to strike.

According to investigators, the accused—identified as 25-year-old Sunil Waghela, a scrap dealer residing in Dharavi—followed her on his scooter before stopping alongside her, harassing and molesting her, and then speeding away. The complaint was promptly filed at the Khar police station, triggering an intensive investigation. Acting with urgency, Mumbai police scanned more than 50 CCTV recordings from the Bandra area to trace the movement of the scooter and identify the perpetrator.

The swift action led to the establishment of a trap in Dharavi. Using technical surveillance and movement analysis, officials were able to track Waghela’s location and apprehend him within 24 hours of the complaint. Police have also seized the scooter used in the offence. He has been booked under Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.

While the Mumbai incident moved quickly toward closure with the prompt arrest of the accused, the case in Gurugram is still at an early stage, with the police working to register a full statement and trace the absconding physiotherapist. The contrasting pace highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies depending on available evidence, cooperation from witnesses, and the logistical complexities of gathering sensitive testimonies from foreign nationals who may face language barriers, cultural hesitations, or fears of reprisal.

Both cases underscore the persistent concerns about women’s safety within urban spaces in India, irrespective of socioeconomic class or nationality. For foreign nationals, the challenges are often compounded by limited familiarity with local procedures and apprehension about navigating legal systems in a new country. Many multinational corporations, foreign consulates, and expatriate communities regularly emphasise preventive measures to their members, but incidents such as these reveal that personal vigilance alone is not enough in the face of predatory behaviour.

These two cases also reveal significant nuances. In the Gurugram incident, the alleged perpetrator held a position of trust—one rooted in healthcare, a domain where physical contact is often necessary. This dynamic makes consent and boundary violations more complex and potentially more traumatic. Cases involving such professionals raise questions about certification, monitoring, grievance redressal mechanisms within medical facilities and the need for stronger oversight in private clinics and therapy centres.

In contrast, the Mumbai case involved a public-space assault, perpetrated by someone with no professional relationship to the victim but who had allegedly engaged in stalking behaviour over several days. The prompt capture of the accused in this case can be attributed to robust surveillance systems in metropolitan cities, quick reporting by the victim, and the technical expertise of the police. Still, the recurring pattern of such attacks reflects the ongoing need for preventive policing and community awareness.

The proximity of the two incidents, both in timing and nature, highlights a broader pattern of gender-based offences across Indian cities. Even as India continues to enhance its legal frameworks and public safety measures, the persistence of such crimes calls for a deeper examination of societal attitudes, enforcement gaps, and institutional accountability. The involvement of foreign women in these cases also raises concerns about India’s global reputation as a safe destination for expatriates, tourists, and professionals.

For Gurugram police, resolving the case involving the South Korean woman has become a priority. Investigators are collaborating with translators and possibly the South Korean embassy to facilitate communication, ensuring the victim’s statement is accurately captured. Officials have also indicated that additional inquiries will be conducted at the physiotherapy centre to examine its record-keeping practices, staff credentials, and whether any prior complaints were made.

The Mumbai police, meanwhile, have emphasised that their swift action was meant to send a strong message regarding women’s safety. The case will proceed under the newly codified Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions, which replaced sections of the Indian Penal Code earlier that year. As the legal process unfolds, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address stalking and public harassment more effectively.

Together, these two occurrences underscore the vulnerability of women, regardless of nationality, in settings ranging from healthcare centres to city streets. They also reaffirm the critical need for institutional sensitivity, rapid response, and preventive strategies in addressing crimes against women in India. Ensuring safety—physical, psychological, and legal—remains a shared obligation between authorities, communities, and service providers.