Cardiologist attacked with knife in Sikkim succumbs to injuries

The cardiologist passed away at 3.40 AM on Friday, said a senior consultant associated with CTVC, Neoita Getwell Health Care Centre in Siliguri where the cardiologist was admitted.

He added, "He was admitted to the hospital on December 15 and all these days was on the ventilator. His condition was very critical as he had suffered multiple stab wounds. He suffered multi organ failure, kidney shutdown and was undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). His left leg had to be amputated."

The Medical Dialogues team have been extensively reporting about the incident, wherein, the cardiologist was stabbed while attempting to rescue the sanitation worker from her attacker, with both the victims being in serious condition and undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Also Read: Cardiologist attempts to rescue hospital staff in knife attack, gets brutally stabbed

Both of their condition was considered as 'critical' and 'worrisome'. However, due to multi-organ failure, the medical team had to opt for ventilators, thereby following highest possible medical support and doses, reports Northeast Today.

The doctors stated that the sanitation worker who was the main target of the attacker would survive. They said that her condition is stable and she is improving.

The attack took place during lunchtime when the attacker came to the corridor of the fourth floor and attacked the worker with a knife. Narrating the incident, a nurse told the daily, Hindustan Times, "She fell on the floor in a pool of blood. The man attacked the doctor when he tried to rescue the woman and ran away."

Earlier, a protest rally was undertaken by medical practitioners, staff and students demanding strict punishment for the attacker who stabbed the sanitation worker and the doctor.

Also Read: Cardiologist stabbed in brutal knife attack critical, colleagues demand action against accused

While announcing the news of the cardiologist's death, Jacob Khaling Rai, political secretary to the Sikkim Chief Minister said, "Sikkim woke up to the heart-breaking news of Dr Upreti succumbing to his injuries and breathing his last this morning at Siliguri."

The doctor has a 10 year old child. Rai added, "The entire state mourns his demise as we have lost a brave son of the soil. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and hope God gives enough strength to bear this irreplaceable loss."

Expressing his condolences on the death of the doctor, the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay said on social media, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Dr. Sanjay Upreti, who was undergoing treatment at Neotia Hospital, Siliguri. Sikkim has lost a remarkable human being and a brilliant doctor, and in this hour of grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends and pray for the departed soul."

The Governor Ganga Prasad also expressed his condolences on the passing away of the cardiologist, who was battling for his life, stating, "In his professional career, Dr. Sanjay served everyone. His death is a big loss to the medical fraternity of Sikkim. He will be remembered for his contribution to Sikkimese people. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends of Dr. Upreti who will be deeply missed by all. And pray for the departed soul. Om Shanti."

The former CM Pawan Kumar Chamling said that he was deeply pained and disturbed by the tragic news of the doctor succumbing to his injuries. In a press statement, he said, "Sikkim has lost one of the finest cardiologists, an ideal doctor and one of its bravest sons. Sikkim and humanity at large will never forget the courage he displayed and the sacrifice he made to save the life of a helpless woman under attack. We haven't seen such an example in recent memory." It further stated, "I salute him as a Pavitra Veer and Pavitra Krantikari who gave his life fighting for another human life. His valiant act shows how much he valued human life. He was a cardiologist by profession who treated people's hearts and physical sickness. Tragically, he became a victim of one who was sick in his mind, thought and intellect. Sadly, Sikkim is witnessing the spread of this sickness. His tragic death must awaken Sikkim to take a stand against such murderous elements."

Chamling urged the state government to establish a bravery award in honour of his brave and heroic action, noting, "The Sikkim government, in memory of this heroic cardiologist, can name the Cardiology Department at STNM Hospital after him. In addition, the state government could name a government hospital or a health centre that is closest to his native place in his memory."

Football icon and politician Bhaichung Bhutia said, "The Hamro Sikkim Party is stunned, and deeply shocked by the demise of the young Dr. Sanjay Upreti, a cardiologist of repute who had a major role to play in the establishment of the cardiology department in the new STNM multi-speciality Hospital. Assaulted by an alleged person who was deeply into drug addiction, his death is a reminder that the state has to tackle and fight the drug abuse collectively. Sikkim today has lost not only such a vibrant, young and most promising doctor, but also a young man who had his life before him. It is unthinkable that he had to breathe his last on such a petty matter, and would implore the government to prevent such incidents at any costs."

According to a media report in the East Mojo, Darjeeling-based politician and philanthropist Ajay Edwards expressed his condolences on social media, "On this Christmas Eve, my thoughts go out to Dr. Sanjay Upreti from Sikkim. I did not have the opportunity to know him, but who in his lifetime saved so many patients and in the end, died trying to save a colleague from an attacker. It was not his fight, he could have chosen to run and hide, like most of us would, but he chose to do the right thing. May we learn from his bravery and sacrifice that a 'Life lived for others is the only life worth living'. Praying for his family and friends and mourning his loss along with the entire people of Sikkim and Darjeeling. Rest in peace good Doctor."

Many citizens expressed their sadness and anguish on social media at the demise of the doctor.

The bodily remains of the doctor was taken to his native place in Mamring, South Sikkim after the postmortem was performed at the North Bengal Medical College & Hospital.

The doctors and the staff assembled at Tourism Guest House premises in Rangpo to pay their respect to the deceased cardiologist, after the mortal remains had reached the state moments before. The group proceeded towards Mamring, the doctor's native place after offering flower petals and khadas.

The North Eastern Chronicle reports, the doctor received his MBBS and MD degrees from the King George Medical University (KGMU) in Uttar Pradesh and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal, Manipur, respectively. His invasive cardiology residency was completed at Medanta's The Medicity in Gurugram. He has been working for over 16 years as a doctor in Sikkim.