Mandi: Amid nationwide outrage over attacks on medical professionals, trainee doctors at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital in Ner Chowk were assaulted by a group of men who entered the campus late Saturday night. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers across the country, coming shortly after the attack on doctors in Kolkata that sparked widespread anger and protests.
Assailants Enter Campus, Issue Death Threats
The attack occurred around midnight when a group of assailants arrived in vehicles and deceived the security guards by posing as patients. Once inside, they targeted the trainee doctors who were on night duty and were walking outside the hospital premises. The attackers physically assaulted one doctor and issued death threats to others, creating panic among the medical staff. Several doctors, including female trainees, managed to escape to safety.
One Assailant Captured, Others Flee
The trainee doctors displayed courage and managed to capture one of the attackers, while the other three fled the scene. In their frustration, some of the trainees damaged the vehicles of the attackers to prevent them from escaping. The captured assailant was handed over to the police upon the arrival of Dr. D.K. Verma, the principal of the medical college.
Police Investigation Underway
The Balh police have registered a case against the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and launched an investigation. A search operation is ongoing to track down the remaining attackers. Superintendent of Police, Mandi, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) visited the scene to assess the situation and directed the officers to ensure a thorough investigation.
Security Lapse and Rising Tensions
The incident has sparked a wave of anger and concern among the trainee doctors, who are demanding improved security measures on campus. The college administration is alarmed by the breach, especially as CCTV footage revealed images of some of the miscreants near the female trainees’ hostel.
Amidst Nationwide Protests Over Doctor Safety
This attack comes at a time when there is a national outcry over the safety of doctors, following the recent assault on medical professionals in Kolkata. The Kolkata incident led to widespread protests by doctors across India, demanding stricter laws and better protection. The Ner Chowk assault has further fueled these demands, with medical associations expressing solidarity and calling for immediate action to safeguard healthcare workers.
Six Arrested for Creating Ruckus
Later that night, the Balh Police Station received information about a group of troublemakers driving around the residential area of the college in two vehicles, playing loud music and engaging in altercations with students and security guards. The police arrested six individuals, all resients of Rajgarh Tehsil in Balh, identified as Aman (29), Lokesh Thakur (24), Amit Sharma (34), Naveen Thakur (27), Ankush Sharma (27), and Nitesh Kumar (36).
Calls for Stricter Measures to Protect Medical Professionals
The medical community is urging for stricter laws and enhanced security protocols to protect healthcare professionals in light of these attacks. The administration of Ner Chowk Medical College has assured that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff on campus.
