The Madras High Court has raised concerns over the lack of action against a government doctor accused of negligence in treating a patient, despite a case being registered against a youth who allegedly attacked the doctor with a knife.On November 13, Dr. Balaji, the head of the oncology department at the Karunanidhi Centenary Multispeciality Hospital in Chennai, was attacked in his office by a youth named Vignesh. Dr. Balaji sustained serious injuries but recovered after medical treatment and has since returned home.
Following the incident, the Guindy police registered a case against Vignesh under seven sections, including assaulting a public servant, and arrested him. Vignesh was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Vignesh later filed a bail petition in the Madras High Court. During the hearing, the police opposed his bail, stating that he attacked the doctor while he was on duty. However, Vignesh’s counsel argued that the attack was an act of frustration, claiming the doctor had neglected to provide proper treatment for Vignesh’s mother.
Hearing the arguments, Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandra questioned the police about their selective action:
“A case has been filed against the petitioner for attacking the doctor with a knife. Has a case been registered against the doctor, who is alleged to have acted negligently and failed to provide proper treatment?”
The judge expressed concern over the lack of balance in the investigation and emphasized the need for accountability from all parties involved.
After reviewing the case, the court granted bail to Vignesh with the condition that he must report daily to the Sathuvachari police station in Vellore district and sign the register. The next hearing in the case is awaited as the court seeks further clarification on the matter.
This development has drawn attention to the alleged negligence by medical professionals and the need for impartial investigations in such incidents.