A disturbing incident at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Bettiah, West Champaran district, Bihar, has sparked public outrage after a video surfaced showing a body being dragged on the hospital premises. The incident occurred on August 12, 2025, when the body was brought in for a post-mortem examination.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows hospital staff dragging the body, reportedly recovered from Bettiah Nautan Road in Palam City, up a flight of stairs. Eyewitnesses claim that despite the availability of a stretcher, the staff chose to drag the body to the post-mortem room. The video also shows that this act was done in the presence of other patients.

District Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar has taken cognizance of the matter and has sought a report from the college principal. Prompt action was taken, with the mortuary assistant involved in the incident being immediately suspended. Furthermore, a policeman who was also involved is facing potential disciplinary action. A committee has been formed and is expected to submit a report within 72 hours, proposing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Locals have alleged that this is not an isolated incident and have cited previous instances of negligence at the GMCH. They claim that there have been similar acts of insensitivity in the past, with no apparent accountability from senior health officials. One instance mentioned was a video of children dragging their ailing father on a stretcher for treatment. The lack of accountability has drawn criticism towards the hospital staff and authorities.

The incident has raised serious questions about the standards of care and the treatment of deceased individuals at the hospital. The act of dragging a body, especially when a stretcher was available, is seen as disrespectful and inhumane. It has also hurt the sentiments of the community, according to an eyewitness.

The authorities have taken swift action by suspending the mortuary assistant and launching an inquiry. However, there is a demand for more comprehensive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The committee formed to propose preventive measures will need to address the systemic issues that may have contributed to this incident. It remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in changing the culture at the hospital and ensuring that all individuals, living or deceased, are treated with dignity and respect.