On Sunday, August 18, a distressing incident unfolded at SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. The arrest came after the trio allegedly assaulted a doctor and vandalized the trauma care unit following the death of a relative who had been receiving treatment at the facility.
The turmoil began when a 15-year-old child, under treatment at SSKM Hospital, died unexpectedly. The child’s death triggered a violent reaction from his relatives, who were reportedly distraught over the loss. The relatives, identified as Jaynal Abedin, Monuddin, and Md Muzahidin, were enraged and directed their frustration towards the hospital staff and facilities.
According to the police report, the relatives confronted the hospital staff around 4 pm. They proceeded to ransack the trauma care unit located on the fourth floor of the Trauma Care Centre, specifically targeting the orthopedics Unit-III. This act of vandalism involved the destruction of hospital property, creating a significant disruption in the facility’s operations.
Dr Subrata Sur, the on-duty physician, attempted to intervene to control the situation. However, his efforts were met with physical assault by the accused. The situation escalated further as the accused also attacked police personnel assigned to the hospital, preventing them from performing their duties. The violent actions resulted in injuries and added to the chaos at the already strained medical facility.
Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged by a senior doctor at the hospital. The complaint detailed the aggressive actions of the accused and their impact on the hospital’s operations. In response, the local police filed a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the legal code that governs criminal acts in India.
The three individuals—Jaynal Abedin, Monuddin, and Md Muzahidin—were promptly arrested by the Kolkata Police. The arrests followed a thorough review of the evidence and witness statements, and the accused are now facing legal proceedings. The police have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the case to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing and ensure appropriate legal action.
This incident is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions within the medical community in Kolkata. Earlier in August, a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was tragically raped and murdered, sparking widespread protests and outrage among healthcare professionals. The incident at SSKM Hospital reflects the broader climate of anger and frustration, highlighting the vulnerability of medical staff in the face of public distress.
The violent outburst at SSKM Hospital underscores the critical need for maintaining order and respect within healthcare settings. Such incidents not only compromise the safety and well-being of medical personnel but also disrupt essential medical services. The legal repercussions for the accused are expected to serve as a deterrent to similar acts of violence and vandalism in the future.
The hospital management and local authorities are calling for improved security measures to protect both medical staff and patients from such acts of aggression. The resolution of this case and the enforcement of legal penalties for the offenders are crucial steps towards restoring normalcy and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated.
The assault and vandalism at SSKM Medical College and Hospital highlight the serious challenges faced by healthcare institutions in managing and responding to aggressive behavior. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on addressing the immediate impacts of the incident and preventing future occurrences.