MP Doctor Brutally Slaps, Drags 77-Yr-Old Patient for Demanding Faster Treatment

A chilling video from the Chhatarpur district hospital in Madhya Pradesh has stirred public outrage as it depicts a 77-year-old man assaulted and dragged forcefully by a hospital staff member and a doctor. The video, which went viral within no time, led authorities to act fast, with actions such as terminating the doctor's services and taking legal action against him.

It took place on the 17th of April when Naugaon resident Udhavlal Joshi had gone to the hospital along with his wife, who was in need of treatment. Joshi is said to have waited in line at the outpatient department (OPD) with a valid slip. But a quarrel ensued when he allegedly demanded faster service because of his wife's condition.

In the viral video, Dr. Rajesh Mishra, who was on duty then, can be seen slapping Joshi beside his ear and pulling him out of the OPD section with the assistance of another man who is suspected to be a Red Cross man. Eyewitnesses claim Joshi was also threatened with being locked inside the hospital’s police outpost. At one point, his glasses were broken, and he claimed the doctor tore up his slip and assaulted his wife.

Speaking to reporters, Joshi described the ordeal, alleging that he was verbally abused, physically assaulted, and humiliated in front of other patients. He asserted that he waited patiently for his turn and asked for help only when the waiting time was too long for his sick wife.

Dr. Rajesh Mishra, however, justified his actions and stated that Joshi misbehaved with a female patient and spoiled the queue. The doctor alleged that the elderly man even hit him when confronted. Initially, hospital authorities echoed this version, stating that the OPD was overcrowded and that Joshi had broken protocol.

However, the tone shifted after the video evidence emerged. A departmental inquiry was launched, and Chhatarpur’s Civil Surgeon Dr. G. L. Ahirwar acknowledged that Dr. Rajesh Mishra was clearly seen assaulting the elderly man. Dr. Ahirwar confirmed that the video showed the doctor’s direct involvement, and although the identity of the Red Cross worker remained unclear, further action would be taken.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari was among those who condemned the incident. Sharing the video online, Patwari accused the hospital staff of brutal behavior, alleging the elderly man was not just manhandled but thrown out of the facility. He blamed the state government for failing to protect the dignity and rights of the elderly, stating, “A government that cannot ensure humane treatment for its citizens has no right to remain in power.”

Reacting to the public outcry, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla announced that Dr. Mishra, along with other hospital staff including Dr. Ahirwar, had been removed from their positions. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate mistreatment of patients in public health facilities. “Respectful and sensitive care is a non-negotiable part of healthcare,” he said, adding that immediate and strict action had been ordered.

The local police subsequently filed an FIR, and an official investigation is in process. Both sides—Joshi and Dr. Rajesh Mishra—have also filed complaints, and officials are now examining the video recordings and statements to decide further legal action. No arrests have been made, but officials affirmed that the issue is being taken seriously and will be dealt with as per the law.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)