SHIMLA, INDIA - A hospital is supposed to be a place of healing, but for one patient in India, it became a terrifying cage of violence. Shocking video footage has emerged showing a medical professional repeatedly punching a defenseless man who was lying in a hospital bed seeking treatment for breathing difficulties.
A Demand for Respect
The nightmare unfolded on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla. Arjun Panwar, a 36 year old patient, had been admitted to the pulmonary ward and was resting on a bed after undergoing tests.
According to Panwar, the interaction turned hostile when Dr. Raghav Narula began speaking to him rudely using the Hindu word tu, which can be considered disrespectful or overly familiar when addressing strangers. Panwar stated that he asked the doctor if he speaks to his own family members in the same way.
Caught on Camera
Instead of deescalating the situation, the doctor allegedly flew into a rage. Bystander footage captures the horrifying moment Dr. Narula began repeatedly punching Panwar as the patient desperately tried to shield his face and body from the blows.
The patient later told the media that the doctor started beating him simply because he asked for basic respect regarding the way he was being addressed.
Suspended and Investigated
The assault sparked immediate outrage with relatives and friends of the victim gathering outside the hospital to demand the immediate arrest of the doctor. The group threatened an indefinite strike if action was not taken.
The pressure worked, as the medical superintendent confirmed that Dr. Narula has been suspended pending an inquiry. While the doctor claims the patient was rude first and denied intending to assault him, police have launched a full investigation into the brutal attack.
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