In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a 77-year-old man was brutally assaulted by a doctor at the district hospital in Chhatarpur. The elderly patient, Udhavlal Joshi, was reportedly slapped, kicked, and dragged across the hospital premises in full public view, while accompanying his ailing wife for treatment.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 17, was captured on mobile phone video by bystanders and has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism over the doctor’s conduct and the hospital’s handling of the situation.
According to Joshi, he and his wife were standing in a queue for treatment related to a stomach vein disorder when the doctor, visibly irritated by the crowd, began questioning them. When Joshi attempted to explain their presence in the line, the doctor allegedly slapped him, broke his spectacles, and tore up his hospital slip.
“The doctor kicked me and dragged me to the police outpost inside the hospital. He slapped me, broke my glasses, and threatened to kill me. He even assaulted my wife,” Joshi told reporters with visible distress.
Following the public release of the video and mounting pressure, the doctor in question reportedly fled the hospital premises. The incident prompted an immediate response from the hospital administration.
Dr. G.L. Ahirwar, Civil Surgeon at Chhatarpur District Hospital, confirmed the assault and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Speaking to NDTV, Dr. Ahirwar said, “Initially, the doctor claimed the patient misbehaved, but the video evidence clearly shows unacceptable and shameful conduct. We have issued a notice to the doctor and ordered a departmental inquiry. An inquiry committee is being dispatched.”
Dr. Ahirwar further stated that hospital authorities were alerted to the matter after NDTV raised the issue with them. "We have received directions from senior administration and assure that strict action will be taken against those responsible," he added.
The incident has reignited concerns about patient safety, accountability in government hospitals, and the treatment of senior citizens within public healthcare institutions. An official inquiry is currently underway.