Barbaric assault upon a junior doctor at a Covid Centre in Hojai; Spl DGP orders arrest of all involved

June 1: At a time when the Prime Minister of the country and also the Chief Minister of the state are in all praises of those engaged in medical profession, an incident of inhuman physical assault upon a junior doctor by the patient party on Tuesday has given rise to strong reaction among the people. Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati just completed his Internship at Tezpur Medical College & Hospital and got his first rural posting in Udali Covid Care Centre (CCC) in Hojai, Assam.

It was the second day of his duty. At 1.30 PM on 1 June, Covid warrior, Dr. Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati was present in the Covid Care Centre along with his team for the afternoon shift duty. Narrating the shocking incident, Dr Senapati said, “At around 2 PM, attendants of a patient admitted there complained that the patient had not done urine since the morning. So at once I went to see the patient and carried one catheter in my hand. Reaching there, I found that the patient has already expired.”

Such barbaric attacks on our frontline workers won't be tolerated by our administration. @gpsinghassam @assampolice Ensure that the culprits brought to justice. https://t.co/HwQfbWwYmn

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 1, 2021

“Immediately, the attendant of the patient started creating a ruckus inside the hospital. He was breaking the window panes and other things inside the centre. I somehow went inside a room. But soon the patient party along with some locals dragged me out of the room and thrashed me mercilessly. They started to beat me with sticks, utensils and even kicked and slapped me. I was then dragged outside the hospital and was ruthlessly beaten in the field,” added the injured doctor.

A video of the incident soon became viral in social media where the patient party was seen to thrash the young doctor in a barbaric way. Condemning this act, Tezpur Medical College Students’ Union (TMCSU) said, ” At a  time when doctors are giving 24 hours to save a patient’s life during the vivid crisis period this is what people are giving them in return. Will the Govt of Assam act now? Will he get Justice ? Those involved in the crime should be arrested as soon as possible. We demand strict punishment to them. This is inhuman and barbaric.”

The Assam State Branch of the Indian Medical Association also took serious note of this matter. In a statement released by IMA Assam, it was stated, “IMA Assam State Branch condemns in all strongest terms the barbaric assault on a freshly passed out doctor Dr. Seuj Kumar Senapati at one of the Covid Care Centres in Hojai District. IMA and all the doctors are at a loss at this gruesome reward to a frontline worker in Covid duty. IMA demands immediate arrest of all the culprits and booking them under all stringent laws of the land. IMA cautions the government that the medical fraternity is finding it extremely difficult to control emotions at this hour of public health emergency.”

Taking to his twitter handle, health minister Keshab Mahanta wrote, “Such barbaric attack on our frontline warrior will not be tolerated & shall not go unanswered.The perpetrators will be brought to justice.”

Blasphemous !!
Unpardonable !!
Such barbaric attack on our frontline warrior will not be tolerated & shall not go unanswered.The perpetrators will be brought to justice. Dr. Seuj Kr. Senapati will be under our care & protection till his complete recovery.
Justice shall prevail!! https://t.co/ieJdmzpp3K pic.twitter.com/lJwudWEkTZ

— Keshab Mahanta (@keshab_mahanta) June 1, 2021

After providing first aid at Hojai, Dr. Seuj Kumar Senapati is being shifted at Nagaon Civil Hospital, where he will undergo treatment. Meanwhile, Special DGP, Assam GP Singh has also taken serious note of this incident. He has given instructions to the Superintendent of Hojai to immediately arrest all who are involved in this crime. Taking to his twitter handle on Tuesday evening, the Special DGP wrote, “Reference assault on Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati posted in Udali COVID CARE CENTRE, HOJAI, ASSAM – One of the miscreant has been arrested. Instructions have been given to SP @Hojai_Police to arrest all persons involved in assault.”

Reference assault on Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati posted in Udali COVID CARE CENTRE, HOJAI, ASSAM – One of the miscreant has been arrested. Instructions have been given to SP @Hojai_Police to arrest all persons involved in assault. @assampolice @DGPAssamPolice @CMOfficeAssam

— GP Singh (@gpsinghassam) June 1, 2021