A 26-year-old doctor employed at KEM Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, was stabbed outside the hospital early Wednesday morning in an incident linked to a personal relationship, according to police.
The victim, Dr. Vishal Yadav, has been working in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) department of KEM Hospital since August this year.
At around 10:30 am on Wednesday, the doctor was reportedly approached in Ward 31 by the brother of a woman he was reported to be in a relationship with. The woman is employed at the same hospital. The brother, identified as Fareed Khan (20), was allegedly accompanied by two friends, Nabil Imam Shaikh (19) and Alishan Hashmi (19).
The trio asked Dr. Yadav to accompany them to their residence in Sewri to discuss the matter. When he refused, saying he wanted to speak with the woman first, the accused led him toward the area near the Hanuman Temple opposite Bus Stop 57 in Parel. An argument ensued, and Farid used a kitchen knife to stab the doctor in his back and arm. The three then fled the scene.
The injured doctor was admitted to KEM Hospital’s emergency department. According to the hospital’s medical superintendent, the doctor sustained three stab wounds and was treated immediately. He has since been discharged on Thursday and is reported to be out of danger.
The case was registered at the Bhoiwada police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with sections referencing attempt to murder and grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon.
Police obtained CCTV footage from within and outside the hospital, as well as recorded witness statements. All three accused were traced and arrested within a day of the incident.
Founded in 1926, the Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College (GSMC) and the King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital are amongst the foremost teaching and medical care providing government institutions in India. The medical college (school) provides training to about 2000 students in undergraduate, postgraduate and superspeciality medical courses; in undergraduate and postgraduate physical and occupational therapy; Masters and PhD courses in various allied specialties. A nursing school is also maintained by these institutions.
The incident took place inside the premises of a civic-run teaching hospital, raising concerns about safety and security in health-care settings. Although the motive is reported as a personal dispute, the attack on a medical professional in the performance of his duty adds to a growing record of violence against health-care staff in similar contexts.
(Rh/TL)