Violent altercation at SRN Hospital sparks chaos, police deployment, and probe by medical college authorities
A major disruption unfolded at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital on Wednesday morning after a violent clash allegedly broke out between junior doctors and lawyers over a delay in treatment of an injured advocate. The incident led to suspension of several hospital services, protests, vandalism, and heavy police deployment across the area.
According to officials, the dispute began after woman lawyer Jagriti Shukla was brought to the hospital following a road accident that reportedly occurred between 5:30 am and 6:00 am while she was travelling for a practice session ahead of a women lawyers’ tournament.
Lawyers Allege Delay in Treatment and Assault
Members of the High Court Bar alleged that the injured advocate, a resident of Jhunsi, was rushed to SRN Hospital in critical condition but no doctors were immediately available for treatment.
The lawyers further claimed that when doctors eventually arrived, their alleged rude behaviour triggered an argument that later escalated into violence. Some lawyers also accused junior doctors of physically assaulting advocates during the altercation.
In a written complaint submitted to police, a female advocate alleged that the dispute intensified after lawyers woke up a junior doctor who was allegedly sleeping inside the hospital premises. The complaint further accused doctors of assaulting lawyers and misbehaving with them.
The injured advocate and three other lawyers who reportedly sustained injuries were later shifted to a private hospital for treatment.
Doctors Accuse Lawyers of Violence and Vandalism
Meanwhile, junior doctors also filed a complaint accusing lawyers of entering hospital premises in groups, filming videos, threatening doctors, and physically assaulting medical staff.
In a post on X, Dr Gourav Rai, Chief Advisor of FAIMA and former president of RDWS-BHU, claimed that videos showed a law student and several others creating chaos inside the hospital and damaging a glass door, putting critically ill patients and healthcare workers at risk.
Doctors also alleged that aggressive behaviour by lawyers disrupted emergency medical services and endangered patient safety.
Hospital Services Hit, Police Deployed
As news of the clash spread, a large number of lawyers gathered outside the hospital premises, escalating tensions further. The unrest reportedly forced authorities to temporarily shut down registration counters and pharmacy services, severely affecting patients and attendants.
Police personnel from multiple stations, including Kotwali police station, along with Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) teams, were deployed to control the situation.
Reports stated that protesting lawyers later blocked the Post Office Crossing using barricades. Separate incidents of vandalism and clashes with police personnel were also reported near the Government Press premises.
FIR Registered Against Unidentified Junior Doctors
Based on the complaint filed by lawyers, an FIR has been registered at Kotwali Police Station against unidentified junior doctors under multiple legal sections related to assault, threats, property damage, and use of sharp objects during the clash.
Senior office bearers of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association later held discussions with police officials and demanded strict action against those responsible.
MLN Medical College Forms Three-Member Inquiry Committee
Following the incident, Motilal Nehru Medical College Principal Dr VK Pandey constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The panel includes Vice-Principal Dr Mohit Jain, Dr Dilip Chaurasia from the Department of Urology, and Dr Sanjay Singh from the Department of Surgery.
The committee has been directed to review CCTV footage, record statements from both sides, and submit its report within two days.
Dr Pandey stated that emergency services at the hospital have now resumed after discussions with junior doctors and stressed that disruption of healthcare services cannot be justified under any circumstances.
