Uttarakhand Govt doctor suspended over SUV-bike collision

Chamoli: The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Chamoli district hospital has been suspended after CCTV footage surfaced showing him driving a Scorpio car, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, hitting two motorbikers and dragging them along the road. The incident left both victims seriously injured, and the officer has been booked in connection.

The doctor has been accused of reckless and negligent driving, allegedly hitting the bikers head-on near Monal Hotel and dragging their bike for nearly 100 metres. The victims have been identified as Sanyam Chaudhary and Gaurav Kumar. While Gaurav remains in critical condition, Sanyam was referred from Rudraprayag Government Hospital to Srinagar Base Hospital for advanced treatment.

Police registered an FIR against Dr Mohammad Shah Hasan under BNS sections 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) based on the complaint by the family members of the victims.

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As per an Indian Express media report, the incident took place on Saturday in the Tilani area of Rudraprayag district, and CCTV from that area showed a black Scorpio dragging a motorcycle forward after hitting it at around 1.45 pm. According to the state government, Dr Hasan was driving a government Scorpio car when he allegedly lost control and rammed into two motorbikers. A detailed report submitted on August 3 confirmed that he had allegedly consumed alcohol before the incident.

Following the report, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered his immediate suspension. Dr Hasan has now been asked to report to the Rudraprayag district headquarters and fully cooperate with the ongoing departmental inquiry. The state government said that Dr Hasan’s actions were in clear violation of the Uttarakhand Government Servants Conduct Rules, 2002.

The order by Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said, “Considering the serious condition of the injured individuals, and taking cognizance under Rule 4(2) of the Uttarakhand Government Servants Conduct Rules, 2002, and under Rule 4 of the Uttarakhand Appeal and Discipline Rules, 2003, the Hon’ble Governor hereby graciously approves the suspension of Dr Mohd. Shah Hasan, Additional Chief Medical Officer, Chamoli (in public interest) for the incident at Tilani, District Rudraprayag. The Hon’ble Governor further grants approval for initiating an inquiry into the matter against Dr. Mohd. Shah Hasan…under the relevant provisions of Rule 4 of the Uttarakhand Appeal and Discipline Rules, 2003.”

A statement issued by the state government stated that the incident had seriously compromised the dignity of public health services and damaged public trust. It directed the health department to conduct a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation.

Health Secretary Dr R. Rajesh Kumar told HT that the state government was committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and ethical behaviour in health services.

“There has been a clear violation of conduct in this case, and the government has taken it very seriously. Indiscipline, irresponsible behaviour or neglect of service responsibilities will not be tolerated at any level,” he said.

The state’s top health department official also noted that the incident not only caused trauma to the victims and their families but also hurt the health system’s credibility. “Our goal is not just to provide treatment but also to uphold the public’s trust in the healthcare delivery mechanism. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will invite strict action,” he added.

Meanwhile, the father of one of the victims, Gaurav, told the Indian Express, "Dr Shah Hasan, driving recklessly, negligently, and under the influence of alcohol, hit my son’s Pulsar bike head-on in front of Monal Hotel with his Scorpio, and dragged the bike for around 100 metres with his vehicle."

Suspending the doctor, Rajesh said, “Indiscipline, irresponsible behaviour, or neglect of service duties at any level will not be tolerated in the department. The incident is not only tragic for the affected families, but also damages the credibility of the entire health system."

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