A doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla has been suspended following an altercation with a patient. The incident, which occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, involved a dispute over the doctor addressing the patient informally, leading to a physical assault.

According to reports, Arjun Panwar, 36, was admitted to IGMC for a bronchoscopy after experiencing shortness of breath. Following the procedure, Panwar was resting on a bed in the pulmonary ward when Dr. Raghav Narula, a senior resident in the pulmonary medicine department, approached him. An argument ensued after Dr. Narula addressed Panwar using the informal "tu". Panwar objected to the informal address, which allegedly led to Dr. Narula physically assaulting him.

A video of the incident, filmed by an attendant, circulated on social media, sparking public outrage. The footage shows Dr. Narula repeatedly punching Panwar as he lay in bed. Panwar attempted to defend himself by kicking, while another individual, also possibly a doctor, tried to restrain him. Panwar reportedly sustained a nose injury during the assault.

The incident prompted immediate action from the hospital administration and the government. IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao stated that a three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the matter, acting on the directives of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. Dr. Narula has been suspended pending the inquiry. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil has assured that "exemplary action" will be taken against the doctor if found guilty. The police have also registered an FIR against Dr. Narula and are conducting their own investigation.

The suspension of Dr. Narula, who was a contractual employee, was effective immediately. Health Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil also stated that an inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the involvement of other medical staff present in the ward during the incident.

The incident has drawn strong reactions, with protests erupting at the hospital premises. Relatives and friends of the victim, along with other patients, gathered to demand the immediate arrest of Dr. Narula. Protesters reportedly attempted to enter the room where Dr. Narula was being held, but police intervened to maintain order.

Speaking to the media, Arjun Panwar stated that he suffers from pulmonary issues and was at the hospital for a bronchoscopy. He claimed that after the test, he experienced shortness of breath and was advised to rest. It was during this time that the altercation with Dr. Narula occurred. Dr. Narula has denied the allegations, claiming that the patient misbehaved with him, leading to the incident.