Cardiologist allegedly thrashed by Police at Hawal

SRINAGAR — A senior cardiologist posted at SMHS Hospital Srinagar was allegedly thrashed and lodged in Police Station Zadibal for the whole day and was also threatened not reveal he was in the police station.

Dr Syed Maqbool, an interventional cardiologist with many awards in his kitty, said that he was on call on Saturday and was stopped at Hawal area of Downtown when he was on way to SMHS Hospital.

“I was stopped by a cop and asked to go through an alternate route, where there was a huge traffic mess. I requested the policeman to allow me to take the different route, showed him my identity card and pleaded before him repeatedly, but he refused,” the doctor said.

“When I disembarked from my vehicle, the policeman hit my stomach with the plastic cane in his hands,” he added.

The doctor said he requested the policeman to let him talk to his senior. “And when the Station House Officer (Zadibal Police Station) came to the spot, he whisked me away to the police station and first thing he did was to snatch my phone.”

“I requested him that I was on a call as being the interventional cardiologist and need to inform the Government Medical College (GMC) principal about the issue so that an alternate arrangement is made,” Dr Maqbool said. He alleged that the SHO didn’t allow him to use his phone and instead “warned him of consequences.” He added, “I couldn’t attend my duty.”

Dr Irfan, senior cardiologist at SMHS Hospital, said that the ill-treatment meted out to Dr Maqbool was unfortunate. “We are part of essential services and can’t always call hospital to send ambulances to ferry us time and again. We have to travel in our private vehicles too,” he said.

“We request Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to clarify if we need passes to travel or our cards are enough. If our identity cards are enough, then we should be allowed to reach our hospitals hassle free,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal said that the doctor manhandled the SHO. “A case has been registered against the doctor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr Haseeb Mughal has directed the SP Hazratbal to inquire into the alleged thrashing of the senior cardiologist. “I have asked SP Hazratbal to look into the issue and submit a report,” Dr Haseeb said.