Singhpur Doctor Assaulted, Then Accused of Murder – What Really Happened?
Summary: A doctor in Singhpur was assaulted over a treatment delay. Days later, the attacker was found dead, and the doctor now faces murder charges. The medical fraternity is outraged, citing false accusations, forced settlements, and a lack of safety and legal support. They demand justice, protection, and systemic reform.
Doctor Assaulted, Then Framed? Singhpur Case Sparks Outrage
In a shocking case highlighting the growing violence against doctors, a medical officer in Singhpur, Odisha, is now facing murder charges after being assaulted on duty and later blamed for the death of his attacker. The medical fraternity is calling it a dangerous precedent and demanding urgent protection.
Violence in the OPD: A Routine Visit Turns Ugly
On June 1, a patient with a minor ear complaint arrived at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in K-Singhpur, accompanied by a relative. At that time, the on-duty doctor was already treating a critical accident case in the Minor Operation Theatre. When the attendant was asked to wait, things escalated quickly.
According to CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, the attendant started verbally abusing the doctor, filmed him without consent, and physically assaulted him on the spot. The Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC), Dr. Sumiran Rain, was immediately informed and notified the local Odisha Police.
Police Action, Then Retaliation
An FIR was filed against the attacker. But the situation didn’t end there.
That very night, the accused returned to the CHC with a group of drunk villagers. They stormed Dr. Sumiran’s office, recorded another video, and tried to pressure him into withdrawing the FIR. Dr. Sumiran calmly refused, reiterating that the matter was now in police hands.
Attacker Found Dead 12 Days Later - Doctor Blamed
Twelve days after the altercation, on June 13, the same attendant was found dead on a railway track, some 40 km away, near his in-laws’ home. The cause of death remains suspicious.
But what followed shocked the medical community.
His wife accused Dr. Sumiran of murder. An FIR was lodged under multiple serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 108, 115(2), 126(2), and more.
Medical Officer Detained Without Basic Rights
Dr. Sumiran and his team were detained for 18 hours. During this time, they were reportedly denied food, phone calls, and access to legal or departmental communication.
Worse, they were allegedly coerced into a settlement, forced to pay ₹2 lakh and offer a job promise to the deceased’s family. There were even threats to dump the dead body at the MOIC’s residence if demands were not met.
Doctors Under Siege: Systemic Breakdown in Rural Healthcare
Following the death, a mob attacked the Community Health Centre, vandalised hospital property, and held doctors responsible. Fearing for their safety, the entire medical staff fled the hospital.
The incident has sparked outrage nationwide, especially among doctors working in rural and high-risk areas. Many say they feel abandoned by the system and made scapegoats for lapses beyond their control.
What Doctors Are Demanding Now
The medical fraternity has rallied behind Dr. Sumiran, demanding:
- Immediate withdrawal of the false FIR
- A judicial inquiry into the illegal detention
- Action against police officials for misconduct
- Permanent protection measures for doctors, especially in rural healthcare setups
Conclusion: When Healers Become Victims
This incident from Singhpur isn’t just a one-off, it’s a reflection of the increasing vulnerability of healthcare workers, particularly in rural India. When doctors are assaulted, falsely accused, and left unprotected by the very systems they serve, it’s not just a personal tragedy, it’s a public health crisis in the making.
Inputs from various media sources
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
