Baran, Rajasthan: In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, Dr. Vaibhav Chawla, a young medical officer and in-charge of Koyla Community Health Centre (CHC), was allegedly forcibly intoxicated and murdered by two hospital colleagues — a nursing officer and a health supervisor — in what appears to be a revenge killing following workplace disagreements.
Timeline of the Incident
- May 17, 2025: Dr. Chawla was returning home when Ashok Kumar Verma (nursing officer) and Shankarlal Bairwa (health supervisor) convinced him to join them. They purchased beer cans and cigarettes and made him consume excessive alcohol near Kotdi Sunda village.
- Once Dr. Chawla was intoxicated, the duo drowned him in the Parvati River.
- May 18, 2025: His body was found floating in the river. Initially treated as a suicide, CCTV footage and investigation revealed foul play.
- Police recovered Dr. Chawla’s motorcycle, clothes, and mobile phone from the riverbank.
The Motive
The crime was rooted in a professional dispute. Dr. Chawla had previously issued multiple show-cause notices to Ashok for irregular attendance. According to the police:
“Ashok resented being marked absent and shared his frustration with Shankarlal. Together, they plotted to ‘teach the doctor a lesson’.”
Both accused confessed to the crime during police interrogation and are currently in police custody for further questioning.
Family, Public Outrage & Demands
Dr. Chawla’s family, refusing to accept the suicide theory, staged a protest at the IG’s office in Kota, demanding:
- Arrest of all involved hospital staff
- A CBI investigation
- Death penalty for the culprits
Doctors’ Community Reacts
The United Doctors Front (UDF), Rajasthan, has expressed deep sorrow and anger over the murder. In a statement, they:
- Demanded an impartial, high-level probe
- Called for financial aid and compassionate job for Dr. Chawla’s family
- Urged the government to enhance safety protocols for healthcare workers, especially in remote and underserved areas
A UDF delegation also met Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, pressing for urgent reforms and justice.
