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Counter-complaint filed, second doctor named in FIR; Sukhu gives 24 hours to complete inquiry, ‘doctor unfit for profession’: Health Minister

Doctors' association backs senior doctors accused of assault

4 min readShimlaDec 24, 2025 01:46 PM IST

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu said the state had presented its ecological and disaster vulnerabilities before the Finance Commission. (File Photo)

Taking serious cognisance of two doctors allegedly assaulting a patient admitted at Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla on Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday ordered that the inquiry into the incident be completed by Wednesday and necessary action be taken at the earliest.

“The incident at IGMC was completely unacceptable. Indiscipline will not be tolerated in any institution,” the chief minister said.

At a meeting with senior officers of the Health Department, IGMC and the Directorate of Medical Education, the chief minister discussed various issues related to medical education in the state, along with the IGMC incident, and sought detailed information from officials of the Health Department, IGMC and the Directorate of Medical Education about all facts connected with the incident.

Sukhu said, “Professionals’ behaviour at every institution should be polite and calm. It not only reflects an individual’s character, but also the image of the institution.”

The chief minister said doctors who studied at IGMC brought recognition to the State both in the country and abroad, and directed the Directorate of Medical Education to provide induction training to doctors joining medical colleges for senior residency.

The patient, Arjun Singh, 36, a resident of Kupvi in Shimla, who runs a canteen at a leading boarding school in Shimla, on Monday filed a police complaint against two doctors, Senior Resident Dr Raghav Luthra and Dr Raghav Narula, alleging physical assault.

Meanwhile, family members of Arjun meet Health Minister Dr Dhani Ram Shandil.

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“Family members of the patient met me today at my office. The doctors should not lose control. Although we ordered a high-level probe, I believe Dr Luthra is not fit for the medical profession for the act he has done. Stringent action will be taken as per the findings of the probe report,” Shandil said.

Counter complaint, name of another doc added to FIR: police

On Tuesday, Dr Narula also filed a police complaint against Arjun.

Dr Narula, who is admitted at the hospital, released a video message, accusing the patient of misbehaving with him.

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The doctor said, “People are drawing conclusions merely based on a 16-second-long video. People don’t know exactly what had happened before the incident. I addressed him (the patient) ‘tu’ (you) in a friendly manner, because his face resembles mine. I had seen in the ward earlier also. I told him, ‘Yaar tu too dekha-dekha saa lagg raha hai. Tu kab admit ho gaya (Friend, you seemed familiar to me. When did you get admitted?)’ But he took it in the wrong way and started abusing me and speaking ill of my family members.”

A police officer said, “The doctor’s complaint is under consideration. So far, we have not lodged any FIR on his complaint. However, we have included the name of another doctor, who was seen holding the legs of patient Arjun Singh in the video.”

Meanwhile, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) at IGMC came in support of the two doctors.

Association members stressed that the authorities took action against the doctors based on the patient’s side only.

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RDA president Dr Sohit Sharma said, “Senior Resident Dr Luthra attacked the patient in self-defence.”

Citing the purported video of the assault, the association at a press conference at IGMC said, “In the video, the patient is seen kicking the doctors. This is the reason one of the doctors held the legs of the patient.”

Asked that the incident took place because the patient had objected to the rude behaviour of Dr Luthra, the association members said that “this is the half version of the story”.

Arjun, who was admitted to the hospital due to severe shortness of breathing, said, “Doctors advised me to get admitted in the hospital for the next 48 hours. My medical examination was conducted for the Medico Legal Report (MLR).”

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Sources said Dr Luthra also developed some complications and was admitted to the hospital. The doctor also claimed to have suffered injuries, they said.

Arjun had visited IGMC for a bronchoscopy and was allegedly assaulted by two doctors, triggering widespread protests at the premier health institution on Monday.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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