Doctor at Karnal CHC illegally detained; doctors demand immediate FIR

Karnal: In an alleged case of violence against healthcare professionals, a medical officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gharaunda, Karnal district, Haryana, was allegedly assaulted, verbally abused and forcibly taken by the police following a heated phone exchange 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 a case involving the alleged mistreatment of a on-duty government doctor. The association has urged a fair investigation and ensured accountability of the police personnel involved in the incident.

According to the association, the incident took place on March 4, 2026, between 7:00 and 8:00 AM in Gharaunda of Karnal district. A Medical Officer under the Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS-1) was reportedly on duty at the hospital when he was allegedly misbehaved with, assaulted, and forcibly taken to the police station by the Station House Officer (SHO) Deepak Kumar of Gharaunda Police Station, along with other police personnel.

The on-duty medical officer reportedly called the SHO for assistance after a group of patients allegedly threatened the hospital staff. According to the doctors, he later contacted the SHO again, fearing that the patients might damage hospital property. However, the doctors claimed, the SHO replied back, “We are not here for the security of your hospital. We have many other cases of assault due to Holi”.

In a letter to the Chief Minister and senior health officials of the Haryana government, the DMA stated that the incident has raised serious concerns about the working environment and safety of doctors serving in government hospitals. 

The association added that the doctor was allegedly kept in custody without following due legal procedures, and that his family was not informed about the detention. It was also alleged that the doctor was pressured into writing an apology and was made to sign certain documents while in custody.

The DMA has highlighted several legal implications in the case, including creating obstruction in performing government duty, assault, criminal intimidation, illegal confinement, and abduction under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may also be applicable.

Additionally, the association further pointed out that the incident raises concerns regarding the violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court regarding arrest and detention procedures.

The association has demanded that an FIR be immediately registered against the concerned police personnel under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST Act. It has also requested that the FIR be registered at a police station other than the one involved in the incident to ensure an impartial investigation. Further, the DMA has urged the government to suspend the concerned police officers during the course of the investigation and to initiate a judicial probe into the matter. The association also requested that CCTV footage and other evidence related to the incident be preserved and examined. Additionally, the association has called for ensuring the safety and security of the affected doctor and other hospital staff members.

Meanwhile, taking action in the case, Karnal Superintendent of Police Narender Bijrania confirmed that the SHO involved in the incident has been suspended and a departmental enquiry has been initiated.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times, the SP said SHO Deepak Kumar was placed under suspension, and the enquiry has been assigned to Gharaunda DSP Manoj Kumar. Responding to the demand for registration of an FIR by doctors’ organisations, he said, “This will be enquired by the DSP, and a case will be registered based on the report.”

Following the incident, doctors across Karnal district suspended work at hospitals and health centres from 2 pm on Thursday in protest. The work suspension affected health services across multiple government facilities in the district.

District Civil Hospital spokesperson Dr. Deepak Goyal said the situation escalated after the doctor spoke urgently and requested police assistance. “The SHO and his four staffers detained the MO to take him to the police station. However, he was released following the intervention of the senior officials. We have demanded that an FIR must be registered against all five cops as mere suspension of the SHO is not sufficient,” he added.

President of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association, Dr. Anil Yadav, said that doctors will continue the suspension of services until a formal case is registered against the police personnel involved.

Due to the suspension of health services, patients in the district reportedly faced difficulties in accessing care, particularly amid injuries and clashes reported during Holi celebrations.