Assam Doctor Assault Case: 24 Accused to be Produced in Hojai Court, Doctors Protest Across State

Guwahati:

Within hours of arresting 24 people involved in the assault of a doctor in Udali Covid Care Centre of Assam, widespread protests were seen across the state. Doctors wore black badge while some held placards and staged protests condemning the incident and demanding better safety and security of doctors and medical staff across the state.

Different doctors' associations have called for stern action against the culprits and requested the government to ensure the safety and security of the doctors and medical staff in the hospitals and healthcare centres. Some doctors have asked for CISF protection in hospitals.

Meanwhile, within hours of the incident, Assam Police arrested the 24 people involved in the act that happened on June 1, Tuesday at the Udali Covid Care Centre in Hojai, western Assam. State Health Minister Keshab Mahanta visited the Centre in Hojai and said that no one would be spared. He further assured that the state government would ensure the full safety and security of every doctor and medical staff across the state.

"I want to make it very clear that no one will be spared. Any kind of assault or misbehaviour against any doctor or medical staff would not be tolerated. An enquiry has already been ordered and those involved have been arrested. Stringent action will be taken against them," Mahanta told reporters after his visit to the Covid Care Centre.

The accused would be produced at the Hojai Court today.

Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati, posted at the Centre was attacked by relatives of a patient who died within hours of being admitted to the Centre. According to a letter by the Hojai unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to the deputy commissioner of the district, the patient was admitted on Tuesday at 11am and died three hours later at 2pm.

The relatives who lost their cool started hitting Dr Senapati with utensils and broom and kicking him. There was a woman among those who attacked the young doctor.

Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Such barbaric attacks on our frontline workers won't be tolerated by our administration". He had directed the police to take all necessary action to ensure that the culprits are not spared. The CM is "personally monitoring" the case, the CM had tweeted.

Dr Senapati is undergoing treatment at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. He is out of danger and doing fine, doctors attending on him said.

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