Doctor Dead
A 55-year-old doctor was shot dead at a private nursing home in Delhi’s Jaitpur last night, less than two months after the rape-murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
According to the staff at Nima Hospital, two teenagers reached the hospital late at night. One of them asked for a change of dressing for his injured toe. The night before, the teenager was treated at the hospital. After the dressing was done, the teenagers said they wanted a prescription and went to the cabin of Dr Javed Akhtar, a practitioner of Unani Medicine.
Minutes later, nursing staff Gajala Parveen and Md Kamil heard a gunshot. They rushed to the doctor’s cabin and found him bleeding from his head.
The hospital staff has told police that the suspects could be 16 or 17 years old.
Police have said it appears to be a case of targeted killing and the assailants’ visit the previous night could have been for a recce.
Police are now scanning the footage of CCTV cameras inside the hospital to identify the suspects.
The incident comes less than two months after the Kolkata horror in which a doctor on night shift was raped and murdered at a state-run hospital. The Kolkata incident sparked nationwide protests by doctors demanding the safety of healthcare staff on duty.
In the aftermath of the Kolkata rape-murder and the doctors’ protest, the Supreme Court has set up a National Task Force to recommend steps to ensure doctors’ safety on duty.
The Delhi hospital shooting, meanwhile, has given the ruling Aam Aadmi Party fresh ammunition to target the Centre and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena over the law and order situation in the national capital. Delhi Police reports to the Centre and not the Delhi government.
“Delhi has become crime capital – Gangsters operating with ease, extortion calls and firings and daily murders. Central Govt & @LtGovDelhi have failed in their basic work for Delhi,” Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said.
In a shocking and tragic incident in Delhi, two teenagers entered a hospital, got their medical dressing done, and subsequently shot a doctor dead. The brazen crime, which took place in broad daylight, has left the city in shock, raising concerns about safety and the increasing violence among youth. The police have launched an investigation into the motive behind the crime, with early indications pointing towards personal enmity or revenge.
The Incident: A Day Turned Horrific
The incident occurred at a private hospital in west Delhi on a routine day. The two teenagers, both 17 years old, arrived at the hospital, presenting minor injuries that required dressing. The hospital staff and the attending doctor had no reason to suspect anything unusual as the boys calmly waited their turn for medical assistance.
After the dressing was completed by the doctor, identified as Dr. Arun Sharma, the situation took a horrifying turn. One of the teenagers pulled out a firearm and, without warning, shot the doctor at point-blank range. Dr. Sharma collapsed instantly as the hospital staff and patients, horrified by the scene, rushed to his aid. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Dr. Sharma succumbed to his injuries before he could be transferred to a nearby trauma center.
Escape and Aftermath
Following the shooting, the teenagers fled the scene. Chaos ensued at the hospital as terrified staff and patients scrambled for safety. Local authorities were alerted immediately, and a massive manhunt was launched to apprehend the perpetrators.
Dr. Sharma’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the medical community, which has expressed outrage and fear over the incident. Many doctors and healthcare workers, who already face significant stress in their demanding jobs, now feel even more vulnerable to the threat of violence.
Police Investigation: Tracing the Motive
The police launched an immediate investigation into the incident. CCTV footage from the hospital captured the teenagers arriving, receiving treatment, and then committing the heinous crime. The authorities used the footage to identify the suspects and have intensified efforts to track them down.
According to preliminary reports, the motive behind the shooting is believed to be personal enmity. Police sources indicate that Dr. Sharma may have been targeted by one of the teenagers or their family members. However, the exact reason for the attack remains unclear, and the police are exploring various angles, including possible connections to previous disputes.
The firearm used in the attack, a locally-made pistol, has raised concerns about the growing availability of illegal weapons in the hands of minors. Authorities are also investigating how the teenagers obtained the weapon and whether others were involved in the planning of the crime.
Security Concerns and Growing Violence
The incident has sparked outrage and concern about the safety of healthcare professionals, especially in light of increasing instances of violence against medical staff. In recent years, doctors and nurses in India have raised their voices against attacks by disgruntled patients or their families, especially in government hospitals. This shooting, however, marks a disturbing escalation, with healthcare professionals being deliberately targeted.
Dr. Sharma, a well-respected physician with over 20 years of experience, was known for his dedication to his patients and his compassionate approach. His death has not only devastated his family but also left his colleagues and patients reeling.
The medical fraternity has demanded immediate action from the government to enhance security in hospitals, particularly in high-risk areas. Protests by doctors’ associations are expected, with many advocating for stricter laws and better enforcement to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Community and Family Reaction
The community has been left in a state of mourning. Dr. Sharma was a beloved figure, both as a doctor and as a community leader. His family is devastated by the loss, and his colleagues have spoken out about the dangers faced by doctors in India.
Healthcare workers, especially doctors, have repeatedly called for better security measures in hospitals. Many doctors argue that they are increasingly becoming victims of violence, with hospitals often lacking sufficient security to protect them. This incident, they say, is a grim reminder of how vulnerable they are, even within the supposed safety of a healthcare institution.
Government and Law Enforcement Response
In the wake of the incident, Delhi’s law enforcement agencies have come under intense pressure to crack down on illegal firearms and improve safety in public spaces, including hospitals. The Delhi Police Commissioner has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in apprehending the teenagers responsible for the crime.
Additionally, the Delhi government is expected to review security protocols in hospitals. The state health department is in discussions with various hospital authorities to implement stricter security measures, including installing metal detectors and increasing the presence of security personnel.
Conclusion
This tragic incident at a Delhi hospital, where two teenagers shot a doctor after receiving treatment, has sent shockwaves through the city and the nation. The motive behind the crime remains unclear, but personal enmity is suspected. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter security in hospitals and better enforcement of gun control laws to prevent the growing violence in society.
Dr. Sharma’s death has left a deep void in his community, and his loss will be felt for years to come. As the police work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability faced by healthcare professionals in an increasingly violent world.
