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Kolkata, April 29, 2025 – A prominent gynaecologist from a private hospital in Kolkata has been accused of refusing medical care to a seven-month pregnant woman allegedly due to her religious identity, sparking outrage and prompting official complaints with both the Maheshtala Police Station and the West Bengal Medical Council.
Allegations Surface After Pahalgam Attack
The incident reportedly occurred in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. According to the complaint, the doctor, who had been treating the woman throughout her pregnancy, allegedly refused further care after discovering her full name, which revealed her Muslim identity.
The woman’s husband stated that the doctor linked her refusal to the Pahalgam attack, reportedly telling the patient that she would not treat Muslims because “people of that religion are killing Hindus.” The encounter, which took place during a scheduled check-up at the doctor’s residence in their shared Maheshtala housing complex, left the patient distressed and insulted, according to family accounts.
Complaint and Public Outcry
After the incident, the woman’s husband filed a formal complaint with the police and the state medical council. The case gained traction on social media, with an audio message and a photograph circulating online, calling for a boycott of the doctor. The message alleged that the refusal of treatment was directly tied to the patient’s religious background and the recent violence in Kashmir.
Hospital and Official Responses
The hospital where the doctor practices has distanced itself from the controversy, lodging its own complaints with local police and the cybercrime cell. The hospital management has called for the removal of what it describes as “false content” online and emphasized that it had no involvement in any alleged wrongdoing.
A state medical council member commented, “It would be unethical for a doctor to refuse to treat a patient,” while police officials confirmed that the complaint had been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action.
Doctor Denies Allegations
In response, the accused doctor has categorically denied the allegations, claiming defamation. “Eighty per cent of my patients are Muslims. Will I say something that hurts me the most?” she told The Telegraph. The doctor has filed her own police complaint, alleging that the patient and her family are attempting to ruin her three-decade-long career for personal reasons. She admitted to possibly making comments to her staff while watching television news, but insisted that nothing was said directly to the patient.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The family of the complainant has indicated that they are prepared to take the matter to court if the police or medical council do not act. The case remains under investigation by both law enforcement and medical regulatory authorities.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on reports from Medical Dialogues and other cited sources. The allegations described are currently under investigation and have not been proven in a court of law. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
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