Troopers allegedly thrash renowned Epidemiologist in Chadoora

BUDGAM — A renowned Epidemiologist was allegedly ruthlessly thrashed by Para-military troopers in Chadoora town of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday morning.

The incident forced Chief Medical Officer to register a complaint before District Development Commissioner Budgam. “I have written to SSP Budgam as well and this won’t be tolerated anymore,” CMO Budgam, Dr Tajamul Hussain Khan said.

The victim, Dr Muzaffar Ahmed, who looks at the entire COVID-19 work in Budgam and is a renowned Epidemiologist, said that he was walking by foot to catch a vehicle for Budgam, when in Chadoora market, he was stopped at a barricade by CRPF personnel.

“Despite revealing my identity, the troopers hit me with batons, dragged me on the road, kicked my chest and it was only after the intervention of some locals that they left me and I was rushed to District Hospital Budgam. I have suffered bone injuries,” he said.

Taking strong note of the incident, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tajamul said that these troopers are over-ruling the directions of Police Chief Dilbagh Singh who has directed them not to stop any health worker.

“The unfortunate part is that we can’t go even for a strike as the situation doesn’t allow us. It was sheer barbarism on part of troopers who even didn’t spare a renowned Epidemiologist like Dr Muzaffar,” Dr Tajamul said, adding that after interacting with victim doctor, he felt sorry for him.

He said he has met District Development Commissioner and will also bring the matter into the notice of SSP Budgam. “This hooliganism won’t be tolerated and I am going to lodge an FIR against these CRPF personnel.”

Chief Medical Officer said that the victim doctor who, according to him, is a frontline COVID warrior has suffered severe bone injuries and is admitted at District Hospital Budgam. “I condemn this barbaric attack and whole medical fraternity demands action against these unbridled troopers,” he said.

When contacted, CRPF spokesperson Pankaj Singh said that the area is a containment zone after a fresh positive case was reported there. “The doctor was not touched and stopped, but there was some argument after that the matter was resolved amicably.”

SSP Budgam Amod Nagpuri said that he will look into the matter.