Raghav Narula: Doctor accused of ‘beating up patient’ as video circulates online
An Indian doctor has been suspended after shocking footage of him allegedly beating up a patient with breathing problems has gone viral online.
The confronting video shows Raghav Narula, a senior resident at Indira Gandhi Medical College, appear to repeatedly punch 36-year-old Arjun Panwar, who was admitted to the hospital for breathing difficulties.
Mr Panwar had gone to the hospital for a bronchoscopy after complaining of shortness of breath.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“After the test, I lay down on an empty bed in pulmonary war as the doctors advised me to rest for a while”, Mr Panwar told the Times of India.
It was then that Dr Narula began asking Mr Panwar questions about his medical history.
“He called me ‘tu’. When I asked him if he speaks with his family members the same way, the doctor started beating me,” Mr Panwar said.
When Mr Panwar began kicking the doctor to stop the attack, another doctor pinned his legs down.
The Hindu word “tu”, meaning “you”, may be seen as disrespectful or informal when used with strangers.
Mr Panwar filed a police report after the incident, claiming physical assault.
Family and friends of Mr Panwar gathered outside the hospital, demanding the immediate arrest of Dr Narula.
A statement made by IGMC medical superintendent, Dr Rahul Rao, confirmed that the IGMC administration had set up a three-member probe into the incident.
“The Senior Resident Dr Raghav Narula has been suspended till further orders. He was found guilty in the preliminary probe,” Dr Rao said.
As for the doctor who held Mr Panwar’s legs down, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said that an “inquiry is being conducted to find out the involvement of the medical staff present in that ward at the time.”
Dr Raghav told his side of the story to the Indian Express saying, “I did not intent to assault the patient. The patient behaved rudely with me first. I will put my side before the police.”
