Orthopaedic Surgeon attacked at Trichy ESI Hospital after traffic dispute, 5 booked

Tiruchi: In a case of alleged violence against medical professionals, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Trichy ESI Hospital Milaguparai area became the victim of physical assault after a group of five men attacked him inside the hospital premises over a traffic altercation. 

During the altercation, the doctor sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital for treatment. He is currently stable now. Based on his complaint, the police have booked five people in connection.

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The incident occurred when the doctor arrived at the hospital in his car and tried to enter through the main gate. This resulted in a confrontation with the occupants of an oncoming vehicle driven by Praveen, a hotel owner from the Karumandapam area in front of the hospital gate. 

As per The Hindu news report, the dispute is believed to have started from a traffic incident. Following a heated exchange, Praveen and his associates entered the hospital and assaulted the doctor. 

Witnessing the assault on the doctor, the hospital authorities called the police. To hold the attackers captive until the police arrived, the hospital authorities locked down the campus, however, the assailants managed to escape.

Condemning the attack on the doctor, the Service Doctors and Postgraduates Association (SDPGA) demanded action against the perpetrators and urged the police to register a case under the Tamil Nadu Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act.  

Speaking to TOI, Dr Aruleeswaran, state treasurer of the association, said, "Doctors are distressed that such an incident occurred inside the hospital premises. It poses a direct threat to our safety. We have lodged a complaint at the Cantonment police station. We shall await progress until morning. If no action is taken against the persons involved in this incident, we shall stage a protest on Wednesday."  

Police have stated that the CCTV footage and mobile videos captured by bystanders had helped identify the suspects involved in the assault. They also said that an investigation is underway and action will be taken against the attackers soon.  

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