Doctors’ body seeks FIR; SHO suspended after incident triggers protest by medical staff
Karnal: An alleged case of violence against a healthcare professional has surfaced in Haryana after a medical officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gharaunda, Karnal district, was reportedly assaulted, verbally abused and forcibly taken to a police station following a dispute with a Station House Officer (SHO).
The Democratic Medical Association (DMA) of India has written to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini seeking immediate action in the matter. The association demanded a fair investigation and accountability of the police personnel involved in the alleged mistreatment of the on-duty government doctor.
According to the association, the incident occurred on March 4, 2026, between 7:00 and 8:00 AM when the doctor, who serves under the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS-1), was on duty at the hospital. He was allegedly misbehaved with, assaulted and forcibly taken to the Gharaunda police station by SHO Deepak Kumar along with other police personnel.
Doctors claimed that the medical officer had initially called the SHO seeking police assistance after a group of patients allegedly threatened hospital staff. When the situation appeared to escalate, the doctor reportedly contacted the SHO again fearing possible damage to hospital property.
However, according to the doctors, the SHO allegedly responded by saying that the police were not responsible for hospital security and were busy handling multiple assault cases due to Holi-related incidents.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister and senior health officials, the DMA stated that the incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and working conditions of doctors serving in government hospitals.
The association further alleged that the doctor was kept in custody without following proper legal procedures and that his family was not informed about the detention. It also claimed that the doctor was pressured into writing an apology and made to sign certain documents while in custody.
Highlighting the legal aspects, the DMA said the incident could involve offences such as obstruction of a public servant in discharge of duty, assault, criminal intimidation, illegal confinement and abduction under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It also noted that provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act could be applicable.
Meanwhile, Karnal Superintendent of Police Narender Bijrania confirmed that SHO Deepak Kumar has been suspended and a departmental inquiry has been initiated. The investigation has been assigned to Gharaunda DSP Manoj Kumar, who will examine the case and recommend whether an FIR should be registered.
Following the incident, doctors across Karnal district suspended work at hospitals and health centres from Thursday afternoon in protest, affecting health services in several government facilities. Doctors’ associations have stated that the agitation will continue until a formal case is registered against the police personnel involved.
