Ludhiana: A late-night disturbance at Ludhiana Civil Hospital’s emergency ward triggered panic among patients and staff after a group of youths allegedly assaulted doctors, vandalised hospital property and confronted police personnel with a sharp-edged weapon.
The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday night, disrupted emergency services for nearly half an hour and forced doctors on duty to seek shelter inside a room as the situation spiralled out of control. Videos circulating on social media captured parts of the commotion, including the accused repeatedly kicking the door behind which the doctors had taken refuge.
According to hospital officials, three young men reached the emergency department seeking a medical examination. An argument reportedly broke out with the doctors on duty, which soon escalated into violence. The youths allegedly abused the medical staff, attempted to assault them and created chaos inside the hospital premises.
As tensions mounted, the doctors locked themselves inside a room for safety while the accused allegedly continued trying to force their way in by kicking the door. The disturbance left patients and attendants frightened, with several moving away from the emergency area until the situation was brought under control.
Police personnel rushed to the hospital after receiving information about the incident. During the intervention, the accused allegedly resisted the officers and one of them reportedly brandished a sword while attempting to threaten the police. Security personnel eventually managed to contain the situation, although some suspects fled from the spot.
One of the accused later claimed that the dispute began after doctors allegedly refused to conduct a medical examination and behaved inappropriately. However, the doctors rejected the allegation, maintaining that the youths became aggressive without provocation, assaulted hospital staff and obstructed official work.
Police have seized the auto-rickshaw used by the accused to reach the hospital and have detained one woman for questioning as part of the investigation. Officials said CCTV footage from different parts of the hospital is being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify everyone involved.
Authorities have launched a search for the remaining accused, and further legal action is expected based on witness statements, CCTV evidence and the findings of the ongoing investigation. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of healthcare workers during night shifts and the need for stronger security arrangements at government hospitals.
