Tension at NB Medical College over assault on doctors

Siliguri, Sept. 2 -- Tension erupted at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital during the first-year admission and counselling process on Wednesday after allegations of an assault on doctors inside Lecture Theatre-1. Members of the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) alleged that outsiders associated with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) entered the lecture theatre and physically assaulted doctors. ABVP, however, denied the allegations.

The incident reportedly began when AIDSO had set up a help desk outside Lecture Theatre-1 to assist newly admitted students and their parents. AIDSO secretary and intern doctor Hiranmoy Roy alleged that a group of ABVP and BJP supporters suddenly arrived and confronted them.

He claimed the situation escalated when the group entered the lecture theatre and attacked them.

"Doctors were pushed against the tables, kicked and assaulted. Our fellow interns Dr Poushali Patra and Manisha Sau were allegedly harassed. Their mobile phones and stethoscopes were taken away. The police removed the victims from the spot instead of taking action against the attackers," alleged Roy.

ABVP functionary Abhijit Roy denied all allegations of assault. He claimed that 15-20 ABVP members had authorised entry cards issued by the college to assist with the admission process. "Some AIDSO members without authorised cards were obstructing administrative work. An argument and minor scuffle broke out after they refused to leave despite security personnel asking them to do so," said Roy.

Anirban Majumdar, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and police personnel from the Medical Outpost arrived at the spot.

The ACP said: "The situation is under control and the admission process is proceeding smoothly. No specific evidence of an attack by outsiders had been found so far. We would take legal action if a written complaint was submitted."

North Bengal Medical College principal Sujoy Mistry declined to comment on the incident.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.