Full Breakdown
Incident of Assault by Doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College Sparks Outrage
12/24/2025, 8:56:56 PM
Overview of the Incident
A senior resident doctor, Dr. Raghav Narula, at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, has been suspended following a viral video that captured him repeatedly punching a patient, Arjun Panwar, during a confrontation in a hospital ward. The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, after Panwar, who was recovering from a bronchoscopy, requested the doctor to address him more respectfully after being spoken to in a rude manner.
Details of the Confrontation
According to reports, the altercation began when Dr. Narula addressed Panwar using the informal Hindi term "tu," which the patient found disrespectful. Panwar, who was resting after his medical procedure, asked the doctor if he would speak to his family in the same way. This request escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Dr. Narula was seen punching Panwar while another staff member restrained the patient’s legs. The incident was recorded by an attendant and subsequently shared widely on social media, leading to public outrage.
Official Responses and Investigations
In response to the incident, IGMC Medical Superintendent Rahul Rao confirmed Dr. Narula's suspension pending an inquiry. A three-member committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault. The state’s Health Minister has also requested a report on the matter. Police have filed a formal complaint against Dr. Narula, and investigations are ongoing, with statements from both the doctor and the patient being recorded.
Dr. Narula has denied the allegations, claiming that he did not intend to assault Panwar and that the patient had behaved rudely towards him first. He stated, “I will put my side before the police,” emphasizing that his remarks were misunderstood.
Public Reaction and Protests
The incident has sparked significant public backlash, with relatives and friends of Panwar gathering outside the hospital to demand the doctor's arrest. They threatened to go on an indefinite strike if immediate action was not taken. The situation escalated to the point where police were deployed to maintain order within the hospital premises.
Criticism and Support
The Resident Doctors’ Association of IGMC has expressed support for Dr. Narula, alleging that the patient initiated the physical confrontation. They have called for an impartial investigation into the incident, highlighting the need for a thorough examination of the events leading up to the altercation.
What's Next
The high-level committee formed to investigate the incident will review all aspects of the case, including medical records and video evidence. Further actions will be determined based on the findings of this inquiry, which aims to ensure accountability and address the concerns raised by both the patient and the medical staff involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did not intend to assault the patient. The patient behaved rudely with me first. I will put my side before the police.” — Dr. Raghav Narula
- “I requested that he speak to me with respect, but he became confrontational.” — Arjun Panwar
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding patient-doctor interactions and the standards of conduct expected within medical facilities in India.
