Doctors across Karnal launched an indefinite strike after the SHO of Gharaunda police station allegedly slapped and assaulted a doctor on duty at a Community Health Centre. CCTV footage of the incident went viral, sparking outrage among the medical community. The SHO has been suspended and a departmental inquiry has been initiated as doctors demand FIR registration.
SHO Suspended After Slapping Doctor at CHC – Doctors’ Strike Paralyses Karnal
Incident Sparks Outrage in Haryana
KARNAL, March 6, 2026 – In a brazen act of alleged police high handedness, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gharaunda police station has been suspended following accusations of physically assaulting a doctor on duty at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gharaunda, Karnal district, Haryana.
How the Incident Unfolded
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday evening, March 4–5, 2026. Dr. Parshant Chauhan, posted at the CHC, allegedly faced misbehavior from an intoxicated individual at the hospital. When the situation escalated, the doctor reportedly called emergency number 112 twice but received no response.
Frustrated by the lack of police assistance, Dr. Chauhan then contacted SHO Deepak Kumar directly. This reportedly led to a heated phone conversation between the two.
Allegations of Assault Inside the Hospital
According to Dr. Chauhan and eyewitness accounts, the SHO later arrived at the hospital accompanied by four police personnel. The doctor alleges that the SHO misbehaved with him, slapped him repeatedly, grabbed his collar, manhandled him, and forcibly dragged him into a police vehicle.
He was then taken to the police station where he remained for some time before being released.
CCTV Footage and Viral Videos
CCTV footage from the Community Health Centre reportedly captured the incident. Videos of the alleged assault soon began circulating widely on social media, triggering strong reactions and condemnation from the medical community.
Dr. Chauhan was eventually released later that night following intervention by the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA).
Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike
In response to the incident, doctors across Karnal district launched an indefinite strike on Thursday. The protest included doctors from several government hospitals, resulting in significant disruption of healthcare services and leaving many patients without treatment.
Medical associations, including FAIMA, have expressed strong support for the protesting doctors.
Doctors Demand FIR and Arrest
Protesting doctors have demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against SHO Deepak Kumar and the police personnel involved in the incident. They have also called for their arrest.
According to the doctors, such acts of violence create fear among healthcare workers and undermine the safety of doctors, particularly in rural healthcare facilities where security support is often limited.
SHO Denies Allegations
SHO Deepak Kumar has denied the accusations. According to his statement, the doctor allegedly used abusive language and misbehaved during their phone conversation, which led to the confrontation.
Police Department Initiates Action
Following the public outrage, the Karnal Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) suspended SHO Deepak Kumar and ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident. Some reports suggest that other police personnel involved have been attached to police lines pending investigation.
Health Authorities Respond
Civil Surgeon Dr. Poonam Chaudhary described the incident as unfortunate and stated that discussions are ongoing with senior administrative officials to resolve the matter.
Renewed Debate on Safety of Doctors
The incident has once again sparked national debate about the safety and protection of doctors, especially those working in rural and government healthcare facilities.
As protests continue in Karnal, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and strengthening safeguards for medical professionals working on the frontlines of public health.
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