Doctor seen punching patient in viral video indefinitely suspended by IGMC Shimla

The video of the incident went viral on social media.

Himachal Pradesh Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has terminated the services of a senior doctor at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) in state capital Shimla following an investigation into a fight between the doctor and a patient earlier this week. According to an order issued by the DMER on Wednesday, the action was taken based on a preliminary report submitted by the IGMC Disciplinary Investigation Committee followed by an investigative inquiry ordered by the state government.

The incident was reported by Senior Assistant of the Department of Chest Diseases, Dr. It involved Raghav Nirula and a 36-year-old male patient identified as Arjun. The hospital’s disciplinary board reported in its initial findings that there had been a fight between the two and recommended that the doctor be sent on leave until further investigation. Meanwhile, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged by the companions of the patient, who is currently under police investigation.

Based on the preliminary report and a video clip of the incident that surfaced on social media platforms, Dr Nirula was suspended on December 22 under Clause 9 of the Resident Doctor Policy 2025 with immediate effect and until further orders. The state government subsequently constituted a high-level inquiry committee, which directed it to examine all aspects of the matter and submit an inquiry report within 72 hours. The Committee submitted its report to the Director through the Director IGMC Shimla on December 24. After reviewing the investigation report, the authority concluded that both the patient and the doctor were responsible for the incident. Dr Nirula’s conduct was deemed to amount to “misconduct, improper conduct, acts of duty and conduct unbecoming of a public servant”.

(With inputs from news agency ANI).