Holi eve violence at PMCH: FIR against Around 25 junior doctors accused of assaulting patient, family

Patna: Nearly 25 junior doctors at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) have been accused of assaulting a patient and his family inside the hospital campus during Holi eve.

It has been alleged that the doctors snatched the patient's mobile phone and trolley bag during the incident, following which the patient’s family filed an FIR at the Pirbahore Police Station, and the doctors have been booked.

According to the complaint, a resident of Madhubani district, had come to PMCH along with his brother and their mother for treatment. The complainant told police that he and his brother were earlier assaulted near Athmalgola on March 2 while travelling by train. After sustaining injuries, the two were first treated at a sub-divisional hospital in Barh and were later referred to PMCH for further treatment.

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As per Patna Press media report, the family reportedly reached PMCH around 11:15 AM on March 3. He alleged that a doctor from the surgery department asked him to get a CT scan done from outside the hospital. When he requested a written note stating that the scan could not be conducted at PMCH, an argument allegedly broke out.

According to the complaint, the dispute escalated quickly, with doctors and security guards allegedly assaulting him, his mother and his brother, and verbally abusing them. The family managed to leave the department but were allegedly intercepted again near the Marine Drive-side exit within the campus.

It was alleged that around 25–30 junior doctors, along with guards, surrounded the three of them and beat them. He also claimed in his complaint that some of the doctors appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident.

The complainant further claimed that during the assault, the doctors snatched his mobile phone and trolley bag, which reportedly contained clothes and other valuables.

Following the incident, the family claimed they struggled to obtain formal injury reports. They first approached Gardiner Hospital, where, according to the complaint, a doctor declined to issue an injury certificate. They then went to Sadar Hospital Gardanibagh and reportedly spent nearly two hours seeking assistance before eventually getting treatment at a private hospital in Patna.

Confirming the development, Sajjad Gaddi, station house officer of Pirbahore police station, said that a case has been registered against 25–30 unidentified doctors, including junior doctors residing in the hostel and those involved in treatment at PMCH. He said further action would follow the investigation.

Police officers said they attempted to retrieve CCTV footage from the hospital premises, but offices were closed for Holi. Officials added that the footage would be secured and examined once the offices reopen.

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