Mangalorean doctor Sunil Rao terminated from Bahrain Hospital over anti-Palestine tweets
Bahrain: Mangaluru Dr. Sunil Rao, an Indian-origin specialist in internal medicine, has been terminated from his position at the Royal Bahrain Hospital after posting inflammatory remarks on social media regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The controversial comments expressed support for Israel during the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Rao's posts, shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter), caught the attention of Bahraini authorities after being reported by a concerned user. The hospital issued an official statement on X, clarifying that Dr. Rao's views were personal and did not align with the institution's values. The hospital confirmed that his statements violated their code of conduct, leading to his immediate termination.
In response to the controversy, Dr. Rao issued an apology on X, acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks. He expressed regret, stating, "I would like to apologize for the statement I posted on this platform. It was insensitive given the current events. As a doctor, I value all lives. I deeply respect this country, its people, and its religion, as I have been here for the past 10 years."
Dr. Rao, an alumnus of Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam and Kasturba Medical College in Mangaluru, Karnataka, had approximately 20 years of experience in the medical field. His profile has since been removed from the hospital's official website.
This incident occurs amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulting in a significant loss of life on both sides. The conflict began following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, prompting Israel to initiate a counteroffensive named 'Operation Iron Swords.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated the intention to launch a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, vowing to eradicate Hamas entirely.
I would like to apologized about the statement that I posted on this platform.
— SUNIL J RAO (@shilpasunil_rao) October 19, 2023
It was insensitive in the context of the current event. As a doctor all lives matter. I respect this country its people and its religion deeply as I have been here for past 10 years.
كلماتي و افعالي
— RoyalBahrainHospital (@RBHospital) October 19, 2023
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Nightclub fire: Goa court remands Luthra brothers in police custody for five days
Panaji (PTI): A court in North Goa on Wednesday remanded Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, in police custody for five days.
The brothers, brought to Goa from Delhi after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 blaze that killed 25, were produced in the court after undergoing health check-ups twice at the District Hospital in North Goa.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Mapusa Puja Sardesai remanded the two brothers in police custody for five days.
Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing Bhavana Joshi who lost four family members in the tragedy, said that the accused were asking for “special consideration” claiming poor health.
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“We said they should not be given any extra relaxation,” he said, adding that the court has taken cognisance of the fact that this is about the death of “25 people in the form of mass genocide”.
“But since they kept pressing for medical check-up, the court ordered reexamination of their health. It is clear in the medical examination that they don’t require any consideration. The accused sought special considerations in the lock-up like a good mattress, which the court refused,” said Joshi.
A team of the Goa Police, along with the Luthra brothers, arrived at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in North Goa at 10.45 am.
The duo was initially taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for medical examination. They were then taken to the District Hospital at Mapusa.
After their health assessment, the two were brought to the court.
The court directed that the accused be sent for fresh medical examination. Accordingly, the two were again taken to the District Hospital.
Later, they were produced before Judge Sardesai, who ordered the five-day police custody of the accused.
After the fire tragedy at Arpora village, the Anjuna police had registered a case against the Luthra brothers on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The brothers were arrested in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. A court there allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand.
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The duo had fled to Phuket in Thailand early on December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.
They were detained by Thai authorities at Phuket on December 11 following a request from the Indian government, which later coordinated with officials in Thailand to deport them under legal treaties between the two nations.
Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the fire.
