Kataka: A doctor at Maniabandha Community Health Centre (CHC) in Odisha’s Kataka district sustained critical injuries after being brutally assaulted by a group of youths late Thursday night.
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns regarding the safety of healthcare workers on night duty.
The violent episode took place around 10:30 pm at the medical facility located in the Badamba block. A local resident identified as Adarsh Seth was brought into the emergency ward by five to six associates who claimed he had fallen seriously ill after consuming a toxic substance. Dr Santosh Kandula, who was on emergency duty, examined the patient and began administering treatment, prescribing medicine and advising the group to administer potash water.
However, tension arose when the doctor asked routine medical questions to assess the situation and inquired whether he had consumed alcohol. The patient’s associates, who were reportedly in an inebriated condition, took offence to these inquiries and became agitated. The situation escalated into a heated argument before turning violent, with the group flying into a rage and throwing a plastic water bucket and pots containing water at Dr Kandula. The doctor sustained injuries to his head and left eye. Following the assault, the attackers fled the scene.
Local police rushed to the CHC after a formal complaint was lodged and rescued the injured physician, who was then shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Three individuals, including Sarangakumar Seth and Bijay Kumar Seth, involved in the attack, have been arrested while a detained minor has been released. Efforts are underway to track down the remaining suspects.
