Dhanbad Doctor couple gets extortion text of Rs 1 cr: IMA seeks CM help to arrest extortionists, threatens strike if govt fails to act

Dhanbad: In response to the ongoing extortion threats faced by a doctor couple and other doctors in Dhanbad, the Indian Medical Association, the Dhanbad branch of Jharkhand has declared its intention to commence an indefinite strike starting from December 30. 

The association has announced that it plans to continue with its strike unless the government takes action against the criminals and provides adequate security to the doctors who are being constantly threatened by these extortionists causing them to be completely in shock. 

The latest victim of this criminal activity is Dr Hardev Prasad Singh, the director of Sarvamangala Nursing Home situated in the Barwadda police station area and his wife Dr Sarvamangla Prasad.

Also read- Pay Rs 20 Crore Or We Will Blow Up Your Clinic: Bihar Pediatrician Gets Extortion Threat

As per INN24 news report, the doctor has been receiving extortion messages from a gangster named Prince Khan demanding Rs 1 crore over the past few days. The gangster threatened the couple with dire consequences if they failed to pay the amount. Currently, the gangster is absconding from Dhanbad Wasseypur.

Fearing for his safety and that of his property, Singh promptly applied to the Barwadda police station, seeking intervention and protection. In response to the distressing situation, Singh has also approached the Senior Superintendent of Police in the district, highlighting the urgency of the matter. The police have assured Singh of his safety and a bodyguard is reported to be provided to him. 

In addition, Dr Singh also sought the assistance of IMA who recently shot off a letter on Sunday to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding the arrest of the extortionist who threatened the doctor couple. 

IMA state president Dr AK Singh and secretary Dr Pradip Kumar Singh said the criminals demanded the amount from Dr Sarvamangla Prasad and her husband Dr Hardev Prasad and threatened them dire consequences if they failed to pay, PTI reports.

“Medics in Dhanbad are scared. We urge you to intervene in the matter immediately and take action so that private health services do not get hampered,” the letter said.

The IMA secretary alleged that extortion threats to doctors, industrialists and businessmen have become common in the state. “Last year, a senior surgeon of Dhanbad migrated to Kanpur because of extortion threats. A businessman was shot at in his shop at Bank More market here,” he said.

The IMA has demanded security for doctors and action against criminals so that medics can work fearlessly. “Otherwise, doctors will have to go on an indefinite strike,” he said.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported a similar incident where four men, who were involved in making death extortion calls and sending death threats to a Dhanbad based well known laparoscopic surgeon for the past month on behalf of UP-based gangster Aman Singh were arrested by the district police in Dhanbad.

Also read- Jharkhand: Extortion Calls Force Doctor To Leave His City, 4 Arrested After IMA Threatens Strike