The Aryavarth Express
Shimla, December 23:
Following the registration of an FIR against Dr Raghav Nurula, a Senior Resident in the Pulmonary Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, over an alleged assault on a patient, the Resident Doctors’ Welfare Association (RDA) has come out in his support, asserting that the incident has multiple dimensions and that the viral video circulating online presents only a partial account.
Addressing a press conference, RDA President Dr Sohil Sharma said the incident was “unfortunate and condemnable,” but stressed that every situation has two sides. He informed that the association has written to the Medical Superintendent and the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), seeking adherence to due process and a fair assessment of the facts.
“Dr Raghav Nurula was performing his duty in the pulmonary medicine ward. We want to place his complete version of events before the public,” Dr Sharma said, adding that the viral video only captures a moment where the doctor is seen raising his hand, without context or explanation of what led to the situation.
Dr Sharma said Dr Nurula’s written statement has been submitted to the college authorities and SAMDCOT. Reading out the statement, he said the senior resident was on duty on December 22 around noon when a patient, identified as Arjun Kumar, was admitted to the ward.
According to Dr Nurula’s account, he asked the patient to provide medical records, investigation reports, and X-ray films as per hospital protocol. He alleged that the patient became abusive and non-cooperative, refused to share documents, and used derogatory language.
“The patient allegedly abused me and my family and then physically attacked me. When I tried to defend myself, he continued the assault and issued threats,” Dr Nurula stated, adding that a companion of the patient recorded a video, which later went viral.
He claimed the video was “incomplete and distorted” and did not reflect the actual sequence of events. Dr Nurula also alleged that he was obstructed in the discharge of his duties as a public servant and later faced threats from people known to the patient. He sought strict legal action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
After presenting the statement, Dr Sohil Sharma said the RDA was placing the “other side” of the incident before the media. He alleged that after the incident, a large crowd gathered inside the hospital, and doctors on duty were confined to a room, causing mental harassment.
RDA Joint Secretary Dr Aadarsh Sharma and Press Secretary Archit Sharma described the episode as a clash, stating that despite the tense situation, medical-legal examinations of both parties were conducted in the presence of police and members of the public.
Archit Sharma cautioned against media trials based on incomplete video footage. “Until an impartial investigation is completed, conclusions should not be drawn. The viral video will also be legally challenged,” he said, urging sensitivity towards doctors’ mental health.
RDA Joint Secretary Dr Vaishali Sharma defended the doctor on procedural grounds, saying that reviewing past medical records is a routine part of patient care. She also demanded the installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of security guards in all wards, including observation areas.
“This is not just a job; it is our profession. Doctors need a safe working environment. A transparent and unbiased investigation where both sides are heard is essential,” she said.
The Resident Doctors’ Association reiterated its demand for a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry, appealing to authorities and the media to refrain from forming opinions until the investigation concludes.
On Monday, following the circulation of the video clip, the state government suspended Dr Raghav Nurula and directed him to report to the Director of Medical Education. Shimla police have registered an FIR in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
