MP police orders inquiry into water cannon action on interns in Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh police ordered an impartial inquiry into the use of a water cannon against intern doctors at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal after videos surfaced. The probe, headed by a DCP, will review the circumstances and determine if the action was appropriate.
Key takeaways
- MP police have ordered an independent inquiry into the water cannon action at Hamidia Hospital during an intern doctors' protest.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikas Sahwal is named as the inquiry officer, with Shailendra Singh Chouhan emphasizing a comprehensive review.
- Intern doctors are demanding a stipend increase from about Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000 per month, a demand backed by FAIMA.
What Happened
The incident involved water cannon use by police near the Hamidia Hospital gate during a protest by intern doctors demanding a stipend raise. Videos of drenched protesters circulated publicly. The protest sought to increase monthly stipends from about Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000. Some doctors were reported injured, and at least one intern was taken to hospital after the incident. The matter reached the state Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, prompting a police inquiry.
Why It Matters
The inquiry aims to establish facts surrounding the police action and assess whether the water cannon use was appropriate. The police stressed the inquiry will be impartial and will include all relevant parties, signaling an attempt to address concerns about crowd control and treatment of medical staff during protests.
Background
Intern doctors at Hamidia Hospital have been protesting the stipend level, arguing the current pay does not reflect workload or living costs. A federation representing medical interns has supported the call for a revision mechanism to periodically adjust stipends. The protest escalated when demonstrators planned to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence, leading to barricades and subsequent police action near the hospital gate.
Key Facts
- The protest occurred at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal.
- Intern doctors demand a stipend increase from about Rs 14,337 per month to Rs 30,000.
- Videos showed water cannon being used on protesters; some doctors were injured; one intern was reportedly hospitalized.
- The Madhya Pradesh Police Commissioner issued an order appointing Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikas Sahwal as the inquiry officer.
- Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chouhan stated the inquiry would be independent and comprehensive, covering all aspects and parties.
- The inquiry was prompted after the incident drew attention from the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the police leadership.
- The protest included a march toward the CM’s residence and involved barricades around the hospital area.
- The Federation of All India Medical Association has backed the stipend demand.
What Happens Next
The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the water cannon use and determine whether the police action was appropriate. Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikas Sahwal will lead the investigation, with involvement of the Law and Order wing and other parties as indicated by the order.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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