The Punjab government has constituted a 10-member committee of senior doctors to reinvestigate the death of bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman.
Varinder Singh Ghuman, widely known as the world’s first vegetarian professional bodybuilder, passed away on October 9, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest during treatment at a private hospital in Amritsar, where he had been admitted for shoulder-related issues.
His sudden death at a relatively young age shocked the fitness and entertainment communities, given his reputation for discipline, strength, and a plant-based lifestyle.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the earlier probe, objections from the medical fraternity, and controversy following the registration of a criminal case against doctors involved in his treatment.
According to official directions, the newly formed panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.
The committee includes senior doctors from multiple specialties, and it has been tasked with:
Reviewing the entire course of treatment
Examining the facilities and procedures followed
Determining whether there was any medical negligence
The findings of this panel will guide further action in the case.
The fresh probe was ordered after objections were raised by the Indian Medical Association Punjab chapter and other members of the medical community.
They questioned the earlier inquiry process and raised concerns about procedural lapses and lack of representation. The association maintained that proper norms were not followed while forming the previous medical board.
The issue gained further attention after an FIR was registered against doctors, prompting demands for a more balanced and transparent investigation.
Prior to this development, a medical board had examined the case and submitted its findings to the authorities. Based on that report, Amritsar police registered an FIR against four doctors from a private hospital.
The doctors named in the case are:
Dr. Tapish Shukla
Dr. Alka Tiwari
Dr. Rajinder Kaur
Dr. Arun Kumar Chopra
The FIR intensified tensions, with sections of the medical fraternity expressing concern over the manner in which action was taken.
Varinder Singh Ghuman had sought medical treatment in early October 2025 and later underwent a surgical procedure. During treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he died at the hospital.
His death led to allegations of medical negligence from family members and triggered public concern, following which authorities initiated an inquiry.
The case has remained under scrutiny due to:
Allegations made by the family
Findings of the earlier probe
Legal action against doctors
Objections raised by medical bodies
With the formation of a new expert panel, the Punjab government aims to ensure a comprehensive and fair reassessment of the circumstances surrounding Ghuman’s death.
The 10-member committee is expected to re-examine all medical records and procedures before submitting its findings within the stipulated time frame.
Its report will be crucial in determining whether further legal or administrative action is required in the case.
