New Developments in IGMC Assault Case Spark Protests from Resident Doctors
Significant Turn in Assault Case at IGMC
The assault case involving a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has gained renewed attention following the emergence of a five-month-old FIR against the same patient. This development has intensified protests among resident doctors.
A post circulating on social media since Thursday evening claims that Arjun Singh, the patient involved in the incident, was previously named in an assault and criminal intimidation case filed earlier this year. This revelation has reignited discussions about the circumstances surrounding the doctor's dismissal and whether all pertinent information was considered before disciplinary measures were enacted.
Details of the FIR Made Public
The FIR, numbered 19/2025 and dated June 28, 2025, was filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at a Shimla district police station. It was based on a written complaint from Suresh Kumar, a resident of Mashot village, who alleged that on June 26, 2025, he was assaulted and threatened by several individuals from his village while returning home.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation or denial from the police or district administration regarding the details of the FIR that have gone viral.
Doctor Dismissed Following Patient's Complaint
The resurfacing of this FIR has sparked controversy, particularly since the recent IGMC assault case, which led to the dismissal of a doctor, was initiated based on a complaint from the same patient. The state government had previously terminated the doctor's employment after finding him guilty of the alleged assault within the hospital.
The police are currently gathering statements from the patient and other individuals involved as part of their ongoing investigation. Resident doctors are now advocating for a thorough and unbiased review of the situation, arguing that the new information about the patient's past involvement in an assault case alters the context significantly.
Protests by Resident Doctors
In response to the doctor's dismissal, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) organized a one-day statewide casual leave on December 26, impacting IGMC and other medical facilities across Himachal Pradesh. Over 2,800 resident doctors participated in the protest.
The RDA emphasized that emergency medical services remained unaffected but expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as a 'one-sided administrative decision.'
Upcoming Meeting with Chief Minister
A delegation of resident doctors is set to meet with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday. They have warned that if their demands are not met, they may initiate a strike starting Saturday at 9:30 am.
Their primary demands include the immediate reversal of the doctor's termination and enhanced security measures for medical staff in government hospitals.
Support from Medical Teachers
The protest has garnered support from the Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), which has called for the withdrawal of the dismissal order and the filing of appropriate charges against those who allegedly threatened the dismissed doctor.
Letter to Prime Minister
In light of increasing violence against healthcare professionals, a doctor from IGMC has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting stronger legal protections and safer working environments for doctors.
With the old FIR against the patient now publicly available, the IGMC assault case has transcended hospital discussions, entering broader public and political conversations. There are growing concerns about whether due diligence was exercised before acting solely on the patient's complaint and if all relevant background information was thoroughly examined.
Future Implications
The outcome of the upcoming meeting with the Chief Minister is anticipated to be pivotal in determining whether the situation can be resolved through dialogue or if it will escalate into a larger statewide medical strike.