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Journalism of Courage
Karnataka doctor assaults journalist over extortion news report, suspended
The government surgeon faced action after CCTV footage of the alleged act was circulated in television channels and on social media.
According to sources, Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty, the government sugeon, confronted the journalist, reportedly irked over his report alleging that a doctor at the hospital was collecting money from in-patients during treatment. (Photo enhanced with AI)
The Karnataka Government on Friday suspended a surgeon at the Government Hospital in Kundapur, after he allegedly assaulted a journalist at a restaurant in Udupi district.
According to sources, Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty confronted Srikanth Hemmady, reportedly irked over his report alleging that a doctor at the hospital was collecting money from in-patients during treatment, and hit and abused him and issued him a death threat.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde took immediate action against the surgeon, who was on a 58-day medical leave from August 4, after CCTV footage of the alleged act was circulated on television channels and on social media. Hegde also ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations of irresponsible conduct.
The suspension order states: “During the said vacation period, on 21.08.2026, while Srikanth Hemmadi, a journalist, was staying at a hotel, the footage of Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty suddenly assaulting him has been circulated in the media and social media”.
Dr Shetty was serving at the government hospital in Karkala on deputation, while his parent posting was at the government hospital in Kundapur. The health department said the alleged conduct amounted to behaviour unbecoming of a government servant and violated Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.
The department’s order also stated that Dr Shetty’s lien had been transferred to the vacant post of Surgeon at the Government Hospital in Mundargi, Gadag district, for drawing his subsistence allowance during the suspension period. The surgeon has been directed not to leave the headquarters during the suspension period without permission from the competent authority.
Meanwhile, the Kundapur police booked Dr Shetty for allegedly assaulting, abusing and threatening the journalist.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
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