Use of ‘Tu’ During Doctor-Patient Interaction Turns Violent: Viral Video Shows Brutal Physical Fight at IGMC Shimla
Shimla, December 24, 2025: A violent confrontation between a senior resident doctor and a patient at Shimla’s Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) has led to the doctor’s immediate suspension and a high-level government inquiry. The incident, which took place on Monday, December 22, in the Pulmonary Medicine ward, gained national attention after a viral video surfaced showing a physical altercation between the medic and a bedridden patient. While the state government has acted swiftly by placing the doctor under suspension, the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has termed the video “one-sided,” claiming the doctor was attacked first.
The Patient’s Version: Dispute Over Language
The patient, identified as Arjun Panwar (36), a teacher from the Kupvi area of Shimla, had undergone a bronchoscopy and was resting in the ward due to shortness of breath. According to Panwar and his relatives, the trouble began when Dr. Raghav Narula (31) addressed him disrespectfully using the informal term “tu” while asking for medical records.
Panwar alleges that when he requested the doctor to speak politely, the medic lost his temper. The viral video, recorded by a relative, appears to show the doctor punching Panwar multiple times. The patient’s family has since filed a police complaint, leading to an FIR under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and is demanding the doctor’s dismissal.
The Doctor’s Defense: Allegations of Physical Abuse
In a counter-statement submitted to the hospital administration, Dr. Raghav Narula has denied initiating the assault. He claims the patient was non-cooperative and used “obscene and abusive language” when asked for his X-ray films and medical papers.
According to Dr. Narula’s written complaint:
“The patient suddenly attacked me, punching me in the chest and kicking me in the abdomen. The viral video is incomplete and distorted; it does not reflect the actual sequence of events where I was acting in self-defense and was obstructed from performing my duties.”
Recalling what led to the fight between the two, Dr Narula, a senior resident at IGMC, said the patient lost his cool over the usage of the word “tu” (an informal way of saying you). The doctor said he was checking Panwar’s old x-rays and scans as per the protocol and remarked, “Tu dekha dekha lag raha hai (I think I have seen you somewhere).”
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has backed Dr. Narula, stating that the media trial based on a “fragmented video” is unfair. They allege that 100-200 people gathered after the incident, creating a hostile environment for on-duty doctors.
Watch the video of the incident here – viewer discretion advised
Nobody:
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) December 22, 2025
Doctor at IGMC Hospital, Shimla: pic.twitter.com/M6M4cK17v8
Doctor Suspended Till Enquiry
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Health Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil have taken serious note of the IGMC Shimla doctor viral video. Within four hours of the incident, the government ordered the Dr. Raghav Narula suspension to ensure an impartial investigation.
Current Status of the Case:
- High-Level Committee: A three-member inquiry committee was formed to record statements from eyewitnesses, staff, and both parties involved.
- Inquiry Deadline: The final report is expected to be submitted to the government by today, December 24, 2025.
- Police Investigation: Shimla Police are currently reviewing electronic evidence and medical records to determine the exact trigger of the scuffle.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao stated that the hospital is committed to a fair and transparent inquiry. “We have heard both sides. While the doctor is currently suspended, final disciplinary action will be based strictly on the findings of the high-power committee,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Stricter Protocols
The Health Department has indicated that this incident highlights the need for better “induction training” for resident doctors and clearer Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for patient-doctor interactions in high-pressure wards.
The outcome of the inquiry today will determine whether the suspension will lead to termination or if legal action will also be initiated based on the doctor’s counter-allegations.
