Kalyansinghpur, Rayagada:
Tensions are escalating in Rayagada district after a series of troubling events involving medical professionals at the Kalyansinghpur Community Health Centre (CHC). Doctors have condemned what they call “one-sided police action” following the assault on an on-duty doctor, the death of a patient’s relative, and the filing of a murder case against a medical officer.
The Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) has warned of a mass leave protest beginning July 23 if security for doctors is not ensured and the FIR against the medical officer is not withdrawn.
From Assault to FIR: Timeline of Events
On June 1, a man accompanying a patient suffering from an ear problem allegedly assaulted the on-duty doctor after being told to wait as the doctor was attending to a critical accident case. The accused reportedly abused the doctor, recorded him without consent, and physically attacked him—a moment captured on CCTV footage.
The Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC), Dr. Sumiran Raut, reported the incident to police, who subsequently registered an FIR against the attacker. That night, the accused returned with a group of drunk villagers, attempted to intimidate the doctor into withdrawing the complaint, and once again filmed him without consent.
Accused Found Dead Days Later, Doctor Booked for Murder
Roughly 12 days after the altercation, the same man was found dead on a railway track, 40 km away near his in-laws’ residence. His wife filed an FIR accusing Dr. Sumiran of murder, citing several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 108, 115(2), 126(2), 296, 3(5), and 351(2).
Following the FIR, Dr. Sumiran was illegally detained for 18 hours, reportedly denied food, communication, or legal access. He was also allegedly pressured to pay ₹2 lakh and offer a job to the deceased’s family to settle the matter.
Mob Violence and Doctors Forced to Flee
After news of the death spread, an enraged mob vandalised the CHC, blamed the doctors, and attacked hospital property. Fearing for their lives, doctors fled the hospital premises. OMSA has since rallied behind Dr. Sumiran, calling the FIR false and baseless.
OMSA Demands Justice and Protection
In a memorandum submitted to the Collector, SP, and Chief District Medical Officer, OMSA has demanded:
- Immediate withdrawal of the FIR
- Adequate security for medical professionals
- Action against those responsible for the mob violence and illegal detention
“Doctors cannot work under fear and constant threat. We serve the people, not to be humiliated or attacked,” said OMSA State President Kishore Chandra Mishra, adding that doctors will go on mass leave in Rayagada district starting July 23 if demands are not met.
Police Maintain Probe Is Ongoing
Responding to the allegations, Rayagada SP Swathy S Kumar confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against the doctors and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
“There is video evidence against the doctors. The CDMO&PHO has been asked to cooperate with the investigation,” she said.
This incident has stirred statewide outrage among healthcare workers, who are demanding a fair probe, institutional support, and protection against increasing instances of violence and intimidation in the line of duty.
