A senior doctor at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has been suspended following a shocking incident where he was caught on camera physically assaulting a patient. The altercation reportedly began when the patient objected to being addressed informally as 'tu' by the doctor.
Violent Assault Captured on Video
The disturbing incident, which took place on Monday, was recorded by an attendant present in the ward. The video evidence shows Dr. Raghav Narula, a 31-year-old senior resident in the pulmonary medicine department, repeatedly punching the patient, 36-year-old Arjun Panwar, as he lay on a hospital bed. Panwar, who was recovering from a bronchoscopy, can be seen kicking in self-defense while another doctor attempts to restrain his legs.
Patient's Account and Immediate Fallout
According to Panwar's statement, he was resting on a bed in the pulmonary ward after his procedure when Dr. Narula approached him to discuss medical reports. "He called me 'tu'. When I asked him if he speaks with his family members the same way, the doctor started beating me," Panwar alleged. The Shimla police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Dr. Narula based on the complaint.
The hospital administration acted swiftly following the circulation of the video and directives from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao confirmed that a three-member probe committee was formed to investigate the matter. "Action will be taken on the basis of the probe report. Police are conducting their own inquiry," stated Dr. Rao. Dr. Narula was suspended by late evening on the same day.
Official Condemnation and Broader Inquiry
Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil strongly condemned the incident, promising "exemplary action" against the accused doctor. When questioned about the role of the second doctor seen in the video trying to hold the patient's legs, Minister Shandil indicated that the ongoing inquiry would determine the involvement of all medical staff present in the ward during the assault.
This case has raised serious questions about patient dignity, medical ethics, and conduct within government healthcare facilities. The outcome of the dual investigations by the hospital committee and the police is now awaited, which will decide the final course of disciplinary and legal action.
