Mathura Shocker: On-duty resident doctors brutally attacked, robbed by mob with sharp weapons

Mathura: In yet another shocking incident of violence against medical professionals, several on-duty resident doctors of Kanti Devi Medical College and Hospital (KDMCH) were brutally assaulted by a mob of 100 people. The assailants used sharp weapons, rods, IV stands, bricks, and mops to attack the doctors in the hospital's emergency department. 

The brutal attack left the doctors with severe injuries. They were also allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and threats by the assailants. The group, identifying themselves as attendants of the patients, reportedly thrashed the doctor, threatened them with firearms and then robbed their gold chains and rings. It is reported that they even threatened the female doctors who were present during the ruckus. 

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CCTV footage from the hospital showed a mob entering into the corridor, initiating an altercation that quickly escalated into a violent brawl. It captured the mob brutally attacking and beating the on-duty doctors. Some assailants were seen grabbing the doctors by their collars, while others mercilessly kicked them as they lay on the ground. 

The incident took place on January 24 at around 12. 30 am in the emergency department of KDMCH when the on-duty doctors were attending two RTA (Road Traffic Accident) patients. Suddenly a mob of 100 people claiming to be the attendants of the patients entered the hospitals and began assaulting the doctors. Around 6-7 doctors sustained critical injuries following the attack. 

During the altercation, the assailants allegedly threatened to use firearms and used abusive language. The attack was reportedly carried out by a group of individuals who were attendants of the medical college and known to the patient. 

Following the incident, the doctors who were allegedly assaulted approached the police and filed a complaint against the assailants. However, the doctors claimed that the police took no action concerning the matter. They alleged that no FIR was registered despite submitting a written complaint. 

In a letter addressed to the Medical Superintendent of KDMCH, the resident doctors stated that the police were informed in advance when the incident was about to start but no action was taken. They claimed that the security personnel, police, and hospital administration failed to intervene and rescue them during the incident. As a result, they have announced that they will suspend medical services at the hospital until a formal FIR is filed and stringent measures are taken against the attackers.

Condemning the brutal attack on these doctors, the Indian Medical Association - Junior Doctors’ Network (IMA JDN) sent a letter to the Mathura Police Superintendent today requesting immediate registration of an FIR against all the individuals involved in the assault. 

Highlighting the incident, the association has also demanded immediate enhancement of security measures in the emergency and other critical hospital departments and accountability of the hospital administration and police authorities for their failure to protect doctors.

In the letter, the association mentioned, "It is alarming that despite prior intimation to the police, no preventive or immediate action was taken. Even after several hours, no FIR has been registered, and only verbal assurances are being given without any concrete steps from the authorities. This lack of action is unacceptable and reflects a grave failure on the part of hospital security, law enforcement, and the administration in ensuring the safety of doctors."

"This is not merely an attack on doctors but an attack on the entire medical fraternity. IMA JDN cannot and will not remain silent if justice is delayed. If immediate and appropriate legal action is not taken, we will be compelled to escalate the matter through statewide protests and legal interventions," concluded the letter. 

Speaking to Medical Dialogues regarding the matter, Dr Karan Juneja, National Co-Convenor of IMA-JDN, said "This is a very distressing incident that doctors are being assaulted inside the hospital premises quite frequently. We want proper implementation and display of laws to prevent such incidents further. Security arrangements at hospitals must be strengthened and provided in need." 

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that hospitals need to register institutional FIRs on violence against any on-duty healthcare workers within 6 hours of an incident. The Union Health Ministry issued strict directions in this regard to the medical institutes and hospitals across the country. This step was taken due to the increasing number of instances of violence against doctors and healthcare workers. 

Also read- Hospitals need to register Institutional FIR on violence against Healthcare workers within 6 hours of incident: DGHS