Dera Bassi, India — A brutal clash erupted at Dera Bassi civil hospital late Friday night, where two groups of men from a nearby village turned the hospital’s corridors into a scene of chaos and violence. According to authorities, the confrontation began earlier as a mere street brawl in Mukandpur village, fueled by an old feud, and dramatically escalated when the adversaries encountered each other again in the hospital.
The individuals involved in the melee were identified as Anil Kumar, also known as Honey Pandit, Naresh Kumar, Naib Ram, Angrej Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Mahipal, and Manish Kumar. Police reports indicate that these men resorted to using hospital equipment as weapons — including queue poles, chairs, trolleys, and even surgical instruments. The ferocity of the attack resulted in severe injuries, with several men stabbed and others bludgeoned, leaving trails of blood throughout the facility.
The violence led to widespread panic; hospital staff hurriedly locked themselves inside rooms while patients and visitors fled the building. The local police, under the command of Senior Superintendent Deepak Pareek, responded quickly to the incident, which occurred during a routine night patrol. The assailants were detained at the scene and remained under medical care at the same hospital for injuries sustained during the skirmish. They face charges under the non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
This incident brought to light underlying tensions in Mukandpur village, where one group accused the other of engaging in illegal sand mining. However, officials from the local administration have denied any such illegal activities in the area.
In the aftermath of the attack, the local medical community reacted with outrage and concern. Doctors at the Dera Bassi hospital went on strike, protesting the insufficient security measures currently in place, which they believe jeopardizes their safety. A significant number of the medical staff, including doctors and nurses, are women, who felt particularly vulnerable during the attack.
“The safety of our medical personnel and the sanctity of our medical facilities are non-negotiable,” stated Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in a press release condemning the violence. He reassured the public that strict legal actions were being pursued against the perpetrators.
Law enforcement officials have promised to step up security measures around healthcare facilities. “We are implementing measures including increased PCR team deployments, CCTV surveillance, and enhanced coordination with hospital authorities to ensure this kind of incident does not happen again,” SSP Pareek announced.
Additional police presence and surveillance are anticipated in response to this grave incident, as community leaders and authorities work together to restore peace and safety to the area. The local administration, health department, and police are coordinating closely with the hospital to improve security protocols and ensure a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers moving forward.