Police to question AIIMS staff after doctor booked for distributing sweets post Pahalgam attack

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The police will soon commence questioning staff and doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)- Rishikesh on a complaint about a doctor allegedly distributing sweets at the hospital on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 people.The Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said that the police have registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad Rishikesh head Rajendra Pandey. According to the complaint, the doctor allegedly distributed sweets to celebrate the killings of tourists and hurt the sentiments of people. The complainant alleged that when someone questioned the doctor, he claimed he was celebrating Eid. However, the complainant stated that Ramzan had ended a month earlier and accused the doctor of openly supporting the terrorists involved in the attack. He also claimed the doctor had posted anti-India content on social media in the past and due to his actions, there is outrage among the Hindu community. The SSP said that FIR has been filed under sections 196 (1)(a), 196 (1)(b) and 197 (1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with promoting enmity between different religious groups and making assertions prejudicial to national integration. He said, “An FIR has been registered against the doctor. We have heard some narratives regarding the incident but police will now start inquiring staff, doctors and others in AIIMS Rishikesh and the accused. The investigation is ongoing and further action will be taken accordingly.” Some officials also informed that the doctor, who is originally from West Bengal, has denied the charges. He reportedly said that on April 23, some nursing officers requested sweets to mark a belated Eid celebration and as a gesture, he arranged sweets and food for them. He claimed that this simple act is now being misrepresented to spread communal hatred. The doctor has since returned to his home State, reportedly on the advice of his seniors. He has also reportedly claimed of taking legal action against those who are harassing him, as per the officials.