Madras HC grants bail to Man Who Stabbed Oncologist

Chennai: Hardly a month has passed since Chennai-based on-duty Oncologist at Kalainagar Centenary Hospital was stabbed by a patient's son, followed by outrage from the medical fraternity. Now, during a recent hearing, the Madras High Court granted conditional bail to the accused in question.

Granting relief, the HC bench comprising Justice A D Jagadish Chandira has directed him to appear before Sathuvachari police station in Vellore daily until further orders.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the horrific incident of how the on-duty Oncologist was stabbed seven times by a patient's son. After receiving several stab wounds in his neck, head and upper chest, the doctor was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the same hospital in critical condition. After apprehending the assailant, the hospital staff had handed him over to the police.

The accused had been identified as Vignesh, a 25-year-old man from Perungalathur. The incident took place at the Kalaignar Centenary Government Multi-Specialty Hospital at around 10:30 A.M when the senior oncologist, Dr. Balaji was attacked. Vignesh was apprehended along with his three friends who had accompanied him.

Earlier, hospital staff had informed news agency IANS that the youth reportedly took this extreme step after expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment provided to his mother at the hospital.

The accused had remained incarcerated from 14.11.2024. Filing the bail application, the accused's counsel submitted that when the incident occurred, the petitioner's mother was admitted to the hospital. He also submits that dissatisfied with the medical treatment provided by the doctor, the petitioner questioned it, leading to an altercation during the quarrel. Further, he submitted that the petitioner/accused was ready to abide by any stringent condition that may be imposed by the Court.

On the other hand, the Government counsel opposed the application seeking bail and submitted that on the date of occurrence i.e. 13.11.2024, the petitioner engaged in a quarrel with the Doctor on duty at the hospital, who was also treating the petitioner's mother and during the altercation, the petitioner assaulted the doctor with a knife, causing injuries to him. Further, the Government counsel submitted that there were no previous cases against the petitioner and also submitted that the injured has already been discharged from the hospital.

Considering these submissions, the HC bench ordered to release the petitioner (accused) on his executing a bond for a sum of Rs 15,000 with two sureties and under certain conditions.

Following the attack on the doctor, the doctors in Chennai had suspended the elective duties. Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) also participated in the protest, demanding proper safety for on-duty doctors and strict action against the assaulters.

The strike was finally called off by the resident doctors after receiving assurances from the minister regarding enhanced safety measures for doctors.

Now, granting bail to the accused, the HC order said-

"...considering the period of incarceration undergone by the petitioner, this court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner with certain conditions and accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on his executing a bond for a sum of Rs.15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned XVIII Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet, Chennai," the bench mentioned in the order, further laying down the following conditions for the bail:

[a] the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity;

[b] the petitioner shall stay at Vellore and report before the Inspector of Police, Sathuvachari Police Station, Vellore everyday at 10.30 a.m., until further orders;

[c] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial;

[d] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial;

[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner released on bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji vs. State of Kerala [(2005)AIR SCW 5560];

[f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 of B.N.S.

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/madras-hc-grants-bail-265722.pdf

Also Read: Attack on Doctors: TN Doctors call off strike after safety assurances