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Himachal govt terminates doctor who ‘assaulted’ patient at IGMC

Probe blames both parties including patient and doctors responsible for the incident.

4 min readShimlaUpdated: Dec 25, 2025 05:20 AM IST

The doctor was terminated under Clause 9 of Resident Doctor Policy, 2025. (File Photo)

The Himachal Pradesh government Wednesday terminated the services of Dr Raghav Narula, two days after he brutally assaulted a patient at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla.

An objection by the patient to being addressed as “tu” by the doctor led to an altercation Monday. Narula (31), a senior resident doctor, punched the patient, Arjun Singh (34), in the face and chest multiple times. The patient too tried to kick the doctor. A video of the altercation went viral on social media, following which the doctor was suspended. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Tuesday sought a detailed report on the incident and directed that the inquiry be completed within 24 hours, with necessary action taken at the earliest.

According to an order issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Narula, a senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at IGMC, has been removed from service after a disciplinary inquiry found him involved in an altercation with the patient. The action follows a preliminary report submitted by the disciplinary inquiry committee of IGMC, which was received by the government through the principal of the IGMC. The doctor was terminated under Clause 9 of Resident Doctor Policy, 2025.

However, the inquiry report also noted that responsibility for the incident lay with both parties. As per the report, the committee concluded that both the doctor and the patient were responsible for the incident.

A senior officer said, “On the basis of findings, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) issued orders on December 24 terminating the services of Dr Narula from the post of senior resident in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, IGMC”.

The patient, a resident of Kupvi in Shimla, had underwent bronchoscopy at IGMC. As per the patient, the issue started “when the doctor addressed me as ‘tu’”. “I was breathless and asking for oxygen, so I objected and told the doctor, who was younger than me, that he should use ‘tum’ instead,” Singh claimed, adding that when he asked Narula if he spoke to his family in the same manner, the doctor became aggressive and started punching him.

On Wednesday a new video surfaced in which the doctor is heard telling the patient, “You are merely four years elder to me”. The video also shows Narula moving away from the patient’s bed. In the first video that went viral, another doctor was seen trying to hold the patient’s legs.

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The patient had later filed a police complaint against two doctors, Narula and Dr Nikhil, alleging physical assault.

While Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil termed the incident “unfortunate and unimaginable” for a premier institution like IGMC and said that “all angles are being probed, and statements of eyewitnesses and others present in the ward are being recorded”, the Resident Doctors Association of IGMC defended the doctor. The association claimed the patient “misbehaved and used abusive language” against the doctor and his family when asked about his medical records. The association also urged the authorities to examine the actions of an agitated mob that allegedly stormed into the hospital and attempted to target the doctors, who were kept in the doctors’ chamber under security cover.

The incident and the subsequent action sparked discussions within medical and administrative circles, particularly over workplace conduct, patient-doctor relations, and the impact of viral videos on institutional decision-making. Further legal proceedings are expected as the police investigation into the FIR continues.

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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