IGMC Doctor Booked for 'Assault' on Patient
In a shocking incident at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, a senior resident doctor has been booked for allegedly assaulting a patient on Monday, December 22, 2025. Dr. Raghav Narula, 31, a senior resident in the pulmonary medicine department, is accused of delivering multiple punches to 36-year-old patient Arjun Panwar, who was admitted to the hospital for a bronchoscopy procedure.
Eyewitnesses claim that the altercation erupted when Dr. Narula, while speaking in a rude manner, began inquiring about Panwar's medical reports. When Panwar objected to the doctor's tone and asked him to mind his language, the situation quickly escalated into violence. According to Panwar, the doctor called him "tu" (an informal, disrespectful form of address in Hindi), and when he questioned whether the doctor spoke to his family members the same way, the assault began.
The entire incident was captured on video by an attendant, which subsequently went viral on social media. The footage shows the doctor striking the patient who was lying on a bed, while Panwar is seen kicking in self-defense. Another doctor attempted to restrain Panwar's legs during the altercation, and staff intervened to stop the fight.
Panwar's family lodged a police complaint with Shimla police, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Dr. Narula. The hospital administration formed a three-member probe committee on directions from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu to investigate the matter. Dr. Narula was suspended late in the evening on December 22, 2025.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Rahul Rao, Medical Superintendent of IGMC, acknowledged the altercation occurred in the pulmonary ward and confirmed that a committee was formed to investigate. He stated that "action will be taken on the basis of the probe report" and that "police are conducting their own inquiry."
The government has taken note of the incident, with Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil stating that such behavior is unacceptable and does not suit a doctor. He promised "exemplary action" against the accused doctor and indicated that an inquiry was underway to determine the involvement of other medical staff present in the ward at the time. Chief Minister Sukhu took note of the matter and sought a report before ordering the suspension.
Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi confirmed that an FIR was registered following the complaint and stated that "the circumstances under which the alleged assault took place are being probed, and the statements of the accused doctor will be recorded."
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Panwar's family and attendants demanding the doctor's termination. Members of the public gathered outside the hospital demanding the doctor's suspension and arrest. The suspension of Dr. Narula was announced after which the protests subsided.
The IGMC incident raises serious concerns about the working conditions and behavior of medical staff in government hospitals. While the hospital administration has taken swift action to suspend the doctor, a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The government must take a firm stance against such behavior and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for better patient-doctor relationships, respect, and communication in healthcare institutions. The safety and dignity of patients must be paramount, and any form of exploitation or abuse will not be tolerated.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: Dr. Raghav Narula's actions have caused irreparable harm to his patient and have brought shame to the medical profession. His fate will be determined by the findings of the probe committee, but one thing is certain – the medical fraternity must learn from this incident and strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for patients.
📰 Source: Hindustan Times - States
