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
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru (PTI): A woman was booked on charges of obstructing a police inspector from discharging his official duties and threatening to commit suicide if he did not accept her love proposal, police said on Wednesday.
The 45-year-old inspector attached to the Ramamurthy Nagar Police Station here alleged that the woman repeatedly harassed him, they said.
According to his complaint, the harassment began on October 30, when he started receiving calls from an unknown woman from multiple phone numbers.
During these calls, she allegedly spoke incoherently and claimed to have close links with several highly placed individuals, including the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, Home Minister and other political leaders.
Police said the woman sent photographs via WhatsApp purportedly showing herself with these dignitaries and claimed she could use their influence to compel the inspector to accept her proposal. She also allegedly threatened to use her contacts against him if he refused.
ALSO READ: “Bleeding on the road, I begged for help but no one came”: Bengaluru woman recounts husband’s death
The inspector said that he advised her to visit the police station and submit a written complaint if she had any grievance. However, she did not do so and instead continued to repeatedly call and send messages, which disturbed his official duties, the FIR said.
According to the FIR, on November 7, the woman allegedly visited his office and handed over an envelope containing some tablets along with handwritten letters. The letters contained emotionally charged and inappropriate content, and the woman claimed they were written using her blood, indicating obsessive behaviour.
Despite being clearly informed that the number she was contacting was an official departmental number meant for public service, she allegedly continued making unnecessary calls and messages, causing mental harassment and obstruction to his day-to-day duties, he alleged.
During the inquiry, police learnt that the woman had allegedly exhibited similar behaviour with other police and government officials in the past, it stated.
On December 12, she allegedly went to his police station and shouted and threatened to commit suicide and ruin the inspector's career if he did not respond to her proposal, prompting him to lodge a complaint.
"Based on the complaint, a case was registered against the woman under Sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Ramamurthy Nagar Police Station. The matter is under investigation," police said.
