UP: Row erupts in Jaunpur after Muslim woman accuse doctor of 'refusing' to treat her
Jaunpur (PTI): A controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her on religious grounds, an accusation denied by hospital authorities, officials said on Monday.
According to Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Mahendra Gupta, the woman, Shama Parveen, a Biribari village resident, was brought to the district women's hospital at around 9.30 pm September 30 for delivery.
A woman doctor on duty that night and had examined her, he said.
On October 1, a video surfaced on social media showing Shama Parveen alleging that the doctor on duty told her, "I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery," and directed the nurse not to take her to the operation theatre, asking her family to take her elsewhere.
The CMS said he was surprised by the allegations and sought an explanation from the doctor concerned.
"The doctor denied making any such remark based on religion. An inquiry has been conducted into the matter, and higher authorities have been informed," he said.
Meanwhile, police have registered an FIR against two local journalists -- Mayank Srivastava and Mohammad Usman -- who allegedly circulated the video on social media.
The complaint was filed by CMS Dr Gupta at Kotwali police station, alleging that the two journalists forcibly entered the restricted labour room, filmed videos, and caused damage to hospital property.
The incident has sparked sharp political reactions.
Samajwadi Party MLA from Machhlishahr Dr Ragini Sonkar termed the case "shameful", saying, "It is the result of the communal tension spread across the state. No woman in labour pain would lie about being denied treatment."
She said registering a case against journalists instead of acting against the accused doctor shows that the government "cannot accept the truth".
The MLA added that she would meet the district magistrate and, if needed, raise the matter in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki also condemned the incident, saying, "It is extremely shameful that a doctor, who has taken an oath to serve all sections of society, refused treatment on religious grounds. The victim has no caste or religion in such situations. Strict action should be taken."
BJP spokesperson Avnish Tyagi, however, rubbished the opposition claims as baseless and aimed at fragmenting the society.
"Public welfare schemes have been doled out to all sections of society on the lines of government's 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' motto, be it homes, health care, ration distribution, and other schemes there is no discrimination in the Yogi Adityanath-led government," Tyagi told PTI.
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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
