Doctor accused of punching patient who asked for respectful treatment

The assault happened on Monday at a hospital in Shimla City, northern India, according to the Times of India.

The patient, Arjun Panwar, was resting in another ward after a medical procedure due to breathing difficulties. He said the doctor approached him rudely without provocation. When he complained about the doctor’s tone and asked to be treated respectfully, a dispute broke out and the doctor started attacking him.

“I had just undergone a bronchoscopy and was struggling to breathe. When I asked for oxygen, the doctor questioned my admission status,” Panwar said.

“I requested that he speak to me with respect, but he became confrontational. When I asked if he spoke to his family in such a manner, he claimed I was getting ‘personal’ and began hitting me.”

A video showing the doctor repeatedly punching the patient as he tried to protect himself went viral on social media, drawing widespread outrage. Many people gathered at the hospital, demanding strict action.

The hospital said it has set up a three-member investigation panel. Rahul Rao, medical director of IGMC Shimla, said they are reviewing the case and will announce their findings soon. A formal complaint has also been filed with the police.

Police are also looking into the case, the Indian Express said.

“We have received a complaint from Arjun Panwar and have started an investigation. The circumstances under which the alleged assault took place are being probed, and the statements of the accused doctors will be recorded,” the investigating officer told the outlet.

The doctor denied the allegations, saying, “I did not intend to assault the patient. The patient behaved rudely with me first. I will put my side before the police.”

The incident recalled a 2017 medical controversy in India when two doctors argued and scuffled during an emergency C-section at Umaid Hospital. The dispute delayed the procedure, and the baby died from severe birth asphyxia.