A tense standoff that brought medical services to a halt at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla has finally reached a peaceful resolution. The dispute, stemming from an alleged assault of a patient by a doctor, ended on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with both parties extending apologies and sharing a hug in a gesture of reconciliation.
From Viral Video to Public Reconciliation
The controversy erupted after a video went viral on social media, purportedly showing Dr Raghav Narula punching patient Arjun Singh Panwar in the pulmonary ward of IGMC Shimla on December 22. The incident led to Dr Narula's termination from service and triggered widespread protests. Later, another video surfaced showing heated arguments, with the patient allegedly kicking the physician.
The breakthrough came at the Himachal Pradesh state secretariat in Shimla. In the office of Naresh Chauhan, the principal media adviser to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the two main figures met. Surrounded by family members, media, and doctors' representatives, Dr Narula and Arjun Singh apologised to each other, shook hands, and embraced.
"We both decided to sort out our differences and come together. I have expressed regret to the people of the state," Dr Narula told the media. Patient Arjun Singh responded in kind, stating, "We agreed to forgive each other. Dr Narula has expressed his regret over the unfortunate incident." In a remarkable show of goodwill, Arjun Singh, aware that Dr Narula is to marry in February, added, "I will definitely attend his marriage if Dr sahib invites me."
Strike Paralyzes Services, Government Intervenes
The fallout from the incident had severe consequences for healthcare in the region. Following the registration of an FIR against Dr Narula, doctors' associations launched an indefinite strike. Key bodies like the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers’ Association (HPMOA), and the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) demanded his reinstatement.
The strike paralysed health services and drew criticism from the opposition, which blamed the state government for the chaos. The crisis prompted direct intervention from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. On Monday, December 29, he assured the doctors' associations that the government would review the matter and formed a committee to look into the termination decision. This assurance led to the doctors calling off their strike, paving the way for the next day's compromise.
A Peaceful Compromise and the Road Ahead
Principal Media Adviser Naresh Chauhan described the December 22 event as "unfortunate" and clarified it was "not a pre-planned attack." He confirmed that both parties chose to forgive and move forward. The families of both Dr Narula, a native of Paonta Sahib in Sirmour district, and Arjun Singh, from Kupvi near Choppal in Shimla district, thanked Chief Minister Sukhu for facilitating the resolution.
While the emotional and political crisis appears resolved, the legal formalities are pending. Sanjeev Gandhi, Superintendent of Police (SP), Shimla, noted that while they were aware of the compromise, the police had not yet received an official copy of the agreement. The resolution, however, has successfully defused a situation that had gripped the hill state, restoring normalcy to its premier medical institution and ending a disruptive period of industrial action.
