Violent clash between doctors and lawyers at Prayagraj's SRN Hospital

Prayagraj: In a shocking incident, services at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital were severely disrupted on Wednesday morning after a violent clash broke out between doctors and lawyers over an alleged delay in a patient's treatment, officials said.

An argument reportedly escalated after a woman lawyer, Jagriti Shukla, was brought to the hospital following a road accident in the early morning hours. According to members of the High Court Bar, an Advocate from Jhunsi was injured around 5:30–6:00 am while travelling for a practice session ahead of an upcoming women lawyers’ tournament. Fellow lawyers rushed her to SRN Hospital for immediate treatment.

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Some lawyers also alleged that they were assaulted during the altercation.

As news of the incident spread, a large number of lawyers gathered at SRN Hospital, causing further disruption. Hospital security personnel initially attempted to control the situation, but as tensions rose, police teams from Kotwali police station and surrounding areas were called in.

In a post on X, Dr Gourav Rai, Chief Advisor of FAIMA and Ex-President RDWS-BHU, said a video shows a law student entering SRN Hospital with a group, creating a disturbance and damaging a glass door, putting doctors and critically ill patients at risk. He said doctors are being blamed for attacking her at the MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, and strongly condemned the incident.

The unrest led to the shutdown of registration counters and pharmacy services, severely affecting patients and attendants. The injured lawyer was later shifted to a private hospital by colleagues.  

The situation further escalated when lawyers blocked the Post Office Crossing by erecting barricades. Reports also stated that a group of lawyers entered the Government Press premises, where vehicles and property were vandalised, and clashes with police personnel resulted in injuries.

A heavy deployment of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel was later stationed in the area to prevent further escalation. The protest and road blockade continued until late evening.

In a written complaint submitted to the police, a female lawyer practising in the High Court, stated that the advocate—a resident of Jhunsi—had sustained injuries in a road accident around 5.30 am. At SRN Hospital, it is alleged that the dispute escalated when they woke a junior doctor who was sleeping, which led to rude behaviour and physical assault against the lawyers.

The injured lawyer, along with three other lawyers who sustained injuries during the attack, has been admitted to a private hospital. Meanwhile, the doctors also submitted a written complaint, accusing the lawyers of filming videos inside the hospital premises and engaging in physical assault, reports Hindustan Times.

Based on a complaint lodged by the lawyers, an FIR has been registered at Kotwali Police Station against unidentified junior doctors under multiple sections of the law. Allegations include the use of sharp objects during the clash, assault, threats, and destruction of property.

Meanwhile, the president of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association held discussions with senior police officials and demanded action against those involved in the incident. 

As per Hindustan Times reports, a three-member inquiry team has been constituted by Dr VK Pandey, Principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College (MLNMC - under which the SRN Hospital falls), to investigate the altercation that took place between advocates and junior doctors on Wednesday. The team comprises Vice-Principal Dr Mohit Jain, Dr Dilip Chaurasia from the Department of Urology, and Dr Sanjay Singh from the Department of Surgery. The inquiry committee has been directed to submit its report within two days.  

The committee has been directed to submit its report within two days and will examine CCTV footage and statements from those involved. Officials also indicated that an FIR would be filed on behalf of the doctors’ side following internal review.

Dr Pandey stated that emergency services have resumed after dialogue with junior doctors and emphasised that disruption of hospital services is not justifiable under any circumstances. 

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