Doctor Suspended After Violent Assault on Patient at Shimla’s Premier Hospital Sparks Mass Protests
Viral video shows junior resident repeatedly punching patient at IGMC; CM orders probe, health minister vows strict action
SHIMLA – A junior resident doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) was suspended Monday following a shocking physical assault on a patient that was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms.
The disturbing footage shows the doctor throwing multiple punches on the face of patient Arjun Singh, a resident of Kupvi in Shimla, who was lying on a hospital bed. The incident occurred in the pulmonary medicine ward after Singh had undergone a bronchoscopy procedure for breathing difficulties.
Patient Alleges Rude Behavior Triggered Attack
Singh alleged that rude behaviour by the doctor triggered the incident. According to the patient’s account, he had been advised to rest following his medical test and lay down on a vacant bed in the ward. After a few minutes, two doctors approached him and started to misbehave with him, after which he urged them to be respectful, Singh claimed.
“When the doctor arrived, he talked to me rudely. When I asked him to speak respectfully, he started hitting me,” Singh told reporters outside the hospital.
Hundreds Protest, Demand Justice
Tensions flared up as hundreds of people, including relatives and friends of the victim, along with other patients, held a protest in the hospital premises, demanding the arrest of the doctor. Demonstrators raised slogans calling for immediate suspension and criminal prosecution of the accused physician.
The situation escalated when protesters attempted to enter the hospital and reach the room where the doctor was being held. Police personnel deployed in large numbers managed to control the volatile situation and prevent any further confrontation.
Swift Government Response
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed authorities to investigate the matter, leading to the formation of a probe committee. Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao confirmed that the doctor, identified as Raghav Narula from Paonta Sahib, Sirmour, is a contractual employee who has been suspended pending inquiry.
Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil stated that the doctor’s services “have been withdrawn with immediate effect” and emphasized that further disciplinary action would be taken based on the committee’s findings. The minister warned that the doctor’s behavior was unfit for medical services and could result in termination.
FIR Filed, Police Investigation Underway
The victim’s family has filed a formal police complaint, and a First Information Report has been lodged against the doctor. Police officials are examining video evidence and statements from witnesses present during the incident.
Doctor Denies Allegations
The accused doctor, Raghav Narula, denied the allegations and claimed that the patient misbehaved with him, leading to the incident. However, the video evidence has generated significant public sympathy for the patient and condemnation of the doctor’s actions.
Systemic Issues in Public Healthcare
Patient advocacy groups and civil society organisations expressed concern, saying the incident highlights deeper issues within India’s overstretched public healthcare system, including communication gaps between medical staff and patients.
IGMC, as one of Himachal Pradesh’s largest government-run tertiary care facilities, handles overwhelming patient volumes that often exceed capacity, creating pressure-cooker environments where tempers can fray and communication breakdowns occur.
The hospital administration has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate comprehensively and submit findings promptly. Authorities have assured the public that transparent accountability measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring.
This disturbing case has reignited debates about professional ethics, patient rights, and the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms in India’s strained public healthcare infrastructure.
