0
0
Udaipur: The tragic death of Dr. Ravi Sharma, a young doctor at the postgraduate hostel of Ravindranath Tagore (RNT) Medical College, has sparked widespread protests and a hunger strike by resident doctors across Rajasthan. The unrest follows serious discrepancies between two postmortem reports, raising concerns over a potential cover-up and administrative negligence in the case.
Conflicting Postmortem Reports
Dr. Sharma, aged 35, was found dead after reportedly being electrocuted while using a water cooler in the college hostel. The initial postmortem, conducted by a team from RNT Medical College, cited only superficial injuries and abrasions, including an injury on the back of the head described as “caused by electric shock.” However, the report did not clearly state electrocution as the cause of death, and only a sample of normal skin was sent for forensic analysis.
Dissatisfied with these findings, resident doctors called for a second opinion. A subsequent postmortem by a team from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, led by Dr. Deepali Pathak and other specialists, confirmed electrocution as the cause of death. This report identified three distinct electric injuries and sent samples from the specific area affected by the current for forensic testing—samples that were not collected during the first examination.
Despite the SMS Medical College report, RNT authorities have yet to officially acknowledge electrocution as the cause of death, fueling suspicions of a cover-up among resident doctors.
Protests and Hunger Strike Escalate
Angered by the perceived mishandling of the case and lack of administrative action, resident doctors at RNT Medical College began boycotting all non-emergency services on June 18, the day Dr. Sharma died. Their agitation has since intensified into a hunger strike, with support spreading to doctors at other medical colleges across Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Kota.
Over 600 resident doctors affiliated with RNT Medical College participated in a four-day strike, accusing the administration of evidence tampering and demanding the resignation of college officials. The protestors insist on a judicial inquiry, suspension of responsible officials, and financial compensation for Dr. Sharma’s family.
Dr. Tejpal, media coordinator for the Udaipur Resident Doctors Association, stated, “Dr. Ravi passed away due to administrative negligence. Since then, our movement to get him justice is ongoing. Even after giving an ultimatum, there has been no positive response or action from the administration”.
Wider Impact and Demands
The strike has led to the suspension of outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services at several hospitals, as doctors demand accountability and transparency. The State Human Rights Commission has requested explanations from the principals of both RNT Medical College and SMS Medical College, Jaipur.
Dr. Prashant Sharma, Dr. Ravi’s cousin, alleged that the initial postmortem report was misleading and accused the college of tampering with evidence to protect the administration. He expressed deep concern about the implications for justice and safety in the system.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and reflects the situation as of June 26, 2025. Details are subject to further verification as investigations continue. The information provided does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be interpreted as a final determination of the facts in the ongoing case.
