Two on-duty doctors were allegedly assaulted by the sons of a patient at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala after emergency treatment was provided. Despite immediate care, violence broke out, and the police reportedly failed to act promptly, sparking outrage from the medical community and calls for stricter hospital security.
In a disturbing incident that has triggered widespread concern across the medical fraternity, two on-duty doctors were allegedly manhandled by the relatives of a patient at the GB Pant Hospital in Agartala during the early hours of Sunday. The incident unfolded in the hospital’s emergency ward around 3:00 AM when a patient, identified as Bimal Sarkar, was brought in after allegedly consuming poison mixed with alcohol.
Upon arrival, Mr. Sarkar was immediately admitted and shifted to the emergency ward where doctors began administering emergency care. Dr. Litan Das, who was present in the emergency block along with Dr. Avik Deb and Dr. Santanu Das, promptly began treatment and ensured the patient received all necessary medical attention.
Despite the doctors’ swift response, tensions escalated when Bimal Sarkar’s family members—specifically his two sons, Tapan Sarkar and Papan Sarkar—repeatedly summoned Dr. Litan Das for updates. When Dr. Das approached the patient again, a verbal altercation erupted. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, and both Tapan and Papan Sarkar allegedly manhandled and verbally abused Dr. Das without any provocation.
Alarmed by the altercation, Dr. Avik Deb intervened in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Unfortunately, he too became a target of aggression and was allegedly assaulted by the same individuals. The physical attack on two medical professionals sent shockwaves through the hospital premises, sparking panic among the staff and other patients present in the ward.
Dr. Sishendu Dhar, head of the emergency ward at GBP Hospital, strongly condemned the incident. In a statement to the press, he said, “The doctors posted in the AGMC’s emergency ward have been working relentlessly to ensure patients get the best possible treatment, often under tremendous pressure. Despite fulfilling their responsibilities, they are now facing violence and intimidation from those they are trying to help.”
What has further fueled outrage is the alleged inaction on the part of law enforcement and hospital security. According to Dr. Dhar, neither the on-duty police officers nor the private security guards took any concrete steps to de-escalate the situation or protect the medical staff from harm. “Even after more than 12 hours, no FIR has been registered against the perpetrators. This kind of indifference sets a dangerous precedent and puts healthcare providers at continuous risk,” he said.
The incident has sparked calls for immediate action from the Tripura Medical Officers’ Association and other bodies representing healthcare workers. Several resident doctors have also expressed concern over the deteriorating safety conditions at government hospitals and the frequent lack of accountability when medical staff are attacked.
Incidents of violence against doctors have been on the rise across India, with medical professionals often becoming scapegoats in emotionally charged situations. Despite multiple directives from the Supreme Court and Health Ministry emphasizing the need for adequate security in hospitals, enforcement remains weak in many parts of the country.
Doctors and health workers are now demanding swift justice and a commitment from the authorities to provide a safe working environment. “If incidents like this are ignored, it will become impossible for doctors to work without fear. The government must act now before such violence becomes normalized,” said a junior doctor at the hospital who requested anonymity.
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As of now, the hospital administration is in the process of filing a formal complaint, and senior officials are expected to meet with police authorities seeking immediate legal action against the assailants. Meanwhile, the affected doctors are receiving support from colleagues and various medical associations, who are considering further protests if justice is delayed.
