IGMC Shimla Viral Video: Doctor Caught on Camera Assaulting Patient; Viral Video Triggers Massive Protests!
IGMC Shimla Viral Video: The Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh’s premier healthcare facility, has been thrust into a massive controversy today after a viral video showed a senior specialist doctor physically assaulting a patient on a hospital bed.
The 16-second footage, which has garnered millions of views across social media, shows a high-intensity brawl that has resulted in an FIR, a government-ordered probe, and widespread protests by the public.
The Viral Clash: What Actually Happened?
The incident occurred in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine on Monday morning. The patient, identified as Arjun Panwar, a resident of Nerwa, had visited the hospital for a routine endoscopy. According to the victim’s statement:
- He was resting on a bed after the procedure when the doctor arrived for a round.
- A verbal spat reportedly began over the doctor’s “rude and informal” language.
- When the patient requested the doctor to speak respectfully, the situation escalated into a physical fight.
The viral video captured the specialist repeatedly punching Panwar while he was lying down. The patient is seen trying to kick back in defense while onlookers and medical attendants desperately try to pull the two apart.
Medical Fallout and Injuries
The patient suffered significant nasal bleeding and facial injuries due to the assault. While the accused doctor—identified as a specialist in the pulmonary department—claimed the patient misbehaved first, the hospital administration has noted that physical violence by a medical professional is a gross violation of ethics.
Government Response: Chief Minister and Health Minister Intervene
The severity of the incident has forced the Himachal Pradesh Government into high gear.
- CM’s Cognizance: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has officially ordered a report on the matter, expressing deep concern over the safety of patients in state-run institutions.
- Ministerial Probe: Health Minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil summoned the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Rahul Rao, and the Principal of IGMC. Shandil has promised “exemplary action,” stating that such arrogance will not be tolerated in government hospitals.
- Police Action: An FIR has been registered at the Lakkar Bazar Police Post under sections related to physical assault and criminal intimidation.
Public Outrage and Protests
Following the video’s release, hundreds of people—including the patient’s relatives and local residents—staged a sit-in protest outside the IGMC gates. Protesters blocked the entry points briefly, demanding the immediate arrest and permanent suspension of the doctor.
“We come here for healing, not to be beaten like criminals,” said a relative of the patient during the protest.
Police Action and Legal Status
While the doctor has not been formally arrested yet, the legal process has officially begun:
- FIR Lodged: Based on the patient’s complaint, the Shimla Police have registered an FIR against the doctor for physical assault and causing hurt.
- Severe Injury: The patient reportedly suffered a nasal fracture and profuse bleeding during the attack.
- Doctor’s Defense: Dr. Narula has denied unprovoked assault, claiming the patient misbehaved first and that he was acting in the heat of the moment.
Current Status of the Inquiry
The Medical Superintendent has formed a high-level internal committee to investigate the sequence of events. While a preliminary report is expected by late tonight, the state health department has already hinted at a suspension pending the final outcome.
