IGMC Shimla Doctor Assault Case: Medical Associations Go on Mass Leave After Termination

On 25 December 2025, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Shimla announced that doctors would observe a one day mass casual leave on 26 December 2025 to protest the termination of senior resident Dr. Raghav Narula in connection with the IGMC Shimla doctor–patient assault case. The announcement followed a joint meeting of the RDA, the Central Students’ Association (CSA), and the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT).

The RDA stated that the termination was unjustified and demanded reinstatement. The association also warned that if its demands were not addressed, an indefinite strike would begin from 9:30 am on 27 December 2025. According to the associations, routine services, outpatient departments, and elective procedures would be suspended during such a strike, while emergency services would continue.

The Himachal Medical Officers’ Association (HMOA) announced support for the protest and said its members would participate in the mass casual leave across government health institutions in the state.

The associations also raised concerns over alleged threats to the safety of doctors and reported incidents of intimidation on the IGMC campus following the assault. They demanded registration of an FIR in this regard and called for stricter action against those responsible for disturbances inside the hospital. They also sought a comprehensive review of hospital security arrangements.

Responding to the announcement, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the government’s decision to terminate Dr. Narula. He said the government believes in dialogue and discussion but added that there is no place for threats in a democratic system. He stated that the doctor was removed from service after an inquiry held him responsible for assaulting a patient and described the act as unjustifiable regardless of circumstances.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to review hospital security measures, including regulating the number of attendants allowed with patients and ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. He highlighted steps taken by the state government to improve working conditions for doctors, including changes in duty schedules and revision of stipends.

State health department officials said essential and emergency medical services would continue during the mass casual leave on 26 December 2025.

This update reflects the situation as of the morning of 26 December 2025 and will be revised as further verified information becomes available.

Later on 24 December 2025, following review of the preliminary inquiry findings and the police FIR, the Himachal Pradesh government removed Dr. Raghav Narula from his post. The order was issued by the Directorate of Medical Education, citing the seriousness of the incident captured on video.

Officials said the decision formed part of immediate administrative action taken in response to the assault, which drew widespread attention after footage emerged from inside a hospital ward.

The patient involved in the case later welcomed the decision, stating that such action could reinforce professional accountability in healthcare settings.

This development followed earlier steps including suspension, FIR registration, and completion of a preliminary departmental inquiry.

The State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers issued a statement seeking a fair and unbiased probe. The association emphasized workplace safety for healthcare workers and urged authorities to consider hospital working conditions and institutional protocols.

At the same time, the association stated that violence in hospitals is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The patient’s family demanded strict action, including termination of the doctor involved. They alleged medical misconduct and stated that violence inside a hospital compromises patient safety.

Protests were reported outside IGMC Shimla, with family members and local groups calling for accountability and a transparent inquiry.

In media interactions following his suspension, Dr. Raghav Luthra said the incident occurred after repeated arguments and alleged verbal abuse by the patient’s attendants. He stated that he did not regret his actions and claimed the situation escalated beyond control.

Officials clarified that these statements form part of the investigation record and do not represent official findings.

The doctors involved submitted a counter complaint alleging provocation and aggressive behavior by the patient and his attendants. Police confirmed that complaints from both sides are under examination and investigators are reviewing video footage, witness statements, and medical records.

Authorities stated that the investigation remains ongoing and conclusions will be drawn only after reviewing all available evidence.

Shimla police registered an FIR after the video circulated widely on social media on 24 December 2025. The Himachal Pradesh government ordered a departmental inquiry to examine the circumstances leading to the incident.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed officials to complete the inquiry within 24 hours. The state Health Minister stated that such conduct was unacceptable in a healthcare setting and that strict action would follow based on inquiry findings.

IGMC Shimla identified the doctor seen in the viral video as Dr. Raghav Luthra, a senior resident. The hospital administration suspended him with immediate effect on 24 December 2025, pending inquiry.

Subsequent developments confirmed that Dr. Raghav Narula, also a senior resident in the pulmonary medicine department, was named in the case after a counter complaint was filed. Police later added him as a co accused in the first information report based on statements recorded during the investigation.

According to police officials and hospital sources cited by national media, the confrontation escalated after the doctor allegedly addressed the patient using the informal Hindi pronoun “tu,” a form of address commonly perceived as disrespectful, particularly in professional or clinical settings. Pawar is said to have objected to this manner of communication, which reportedly triggered a heated verbal exchange.

Officials have stated that the exact sequence of events and the nature of the disagreement are under investigation and will be assessed as part of the inquiry.