A disturbing case of violence against a healthcare professional has emerged from Prayagraj, where a junior resident doctor was allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants in broad daylight. The incident, which occurred on March 14, has sparked fresh concerns over the safety and security of medical workers.
Attack Near Hospital After OPD Duty
According to reports, the victim is a junior resident in the surgery department at Motilal Nehru Medical College. He is currently undergoing a three-month training assignment at a divisional hospital.
The assault reportedly took place shortly after the doctor had finished his outpatient department (OPD) duties. While returning to his residence, he stopped at a shop opposite MDI Hospital to buy a bottle of water.
Group Assaulted Doctor Without Provocation
At that moment, five young men arrived on two motorcycles. One of the accused allegedly dragged the doctor aside and began verbally abusing him. When the doctor objected, the group reportedly surrounded him and launched a brutal attack.
The assailants allegedly punched and kicked him repeatedly and also used sticks during the assault. In addition to injuring the doctor, they reportedly damaged his motorcycle.
Attackers Fled After Crowd Gathered
Despite the doctor’s pleas, the attackers continued until a crowd began to gather at the scene. The accused then fled, but not before allegedly threatening the doctor with consequences if he approached the police.
FIR Registered After 11 Days
The doctor informed his senior colleagues immediately and approached the Shahganj Police Station on the same day to file a complaint. Police visited the spot, spoke to local shopkeepers, and collected CCTV footage that reportedly captured the incident.
However, in a concerning delay, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered only on March 25—eleven days after the incident—despite repeated follow-ups by the victim.
Police Action and Investigation Ongoing
Following the registration of the FIR, police arrested one accused, who has been sent to jail. Efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend the remaining attackers.
Station House Officer Kapil Kumar stated that the doctor was initially reluctant to file an FIR but later submitted a written complaint, after which the case was formally registered.
Rising Concerns Over Doctors’ Safety
This incident has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by healthcare professionals, especially those working in public spaces and hospitals. Medical associations have repeatedly raised demands for stricter laws and better on-ground security to protect doctors from such violent attacks.
