Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh):
A doctor at the District Hospital in Chhatarpur was dismissed on Sunday (April 20, 2025) after a video surfaced showing him and a hospital staff member assaulting and dragging a 77-year-old man on the hospital floor. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and led to swift administrative and legal action.
Doctor, Staffer Booked Under New Penal Code
Following the viral video, an FIR was filed against Dr. Rajesh Mishra, an orthopaedics specialist under the National Health Mission (NHM), and Raghavendra Khare, a hospital staffer, at the Kotwali police station. The charges include voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation under sections 115(2), 296, 351(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The Indian Red Cross Society’s district unit also terminated Khare’s services, identifying him as one of the individuals seen in the video.
Superintendent Suspended for Mishandling Incident
The NHM’s Madhya Pradesh Director, Dr. Saloni Sidana, issued an order terminating Dr. Mishra’s employment. The department also suspended Civil Surgeon and Chief Hospital Superintendent Dr. G.L. Ahirwar for failing to prevent the assault and later attempting to defend Dr. Mishra. Dr. Ahirwar was transferred to the Chief Medical and Health Officer’s office in Balaghat.
A three-member inquiry committee, which included Dr. Ahirwar, investigated the April 17 incident before the action was taken.
Victim’s Account vs. Doctor’s Defense
According to the victim, Uddhav Lal Joshi, he was at the hospital for treatment for his 70-year-old wife’s nerve pain when the incident occurred. “The doctor asked me to get in line while I was already in it. Then he slapped me,” Joshi told reporters.
Dr. Mishra offered a counter-narrative, claiming Joshi had broken the queue, pushed a woman, and misbehaved with others. He alleged that Joshi even slapped him when he attempted to leave for a bathroom break.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The incident drew sharp criticism from the Opposition Congress. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar condemned the BJP government’s “insensitivity and silence,” stating, “The inhumanity faced by a 75-year-old man is not an isolated case but a reflection of the BJP’s insensitive system.”
Singhar questioned, “Will BJP put this in the category of developed India?” while sharing the disturbing footage on X (formerly Twitter).
