THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: World Doctor's Day usually sees celebrations or felicitation of doctors but in Kerala, the day started early at 1: 30 am with brutality. A house surgeon Harish Muhammed was mercilessly attacked by a two-member gang in Ernakulam general hospital. Mattancherry natives, Josmil and Roshan were arrested by police for the crime. The two were later remanded under the new law.

Following the incident, 40 house surgeons of the hospital boycotted duty yesterday. This is the 10th incident of violence after the incident in which Dr Vandana was killed.

The two natives were visiting a patient late at night in the hospital. While moving out, they tried abusing a lady-duty doctor with offensive remarks. Harish Muhammed doing his rounds witnessed the happenings and questioned their antics, which irked the gang. A talk ensued which later turned to fight and attack.

The CCTV visuals of the event were released. The two are seen running away after attacking the doctor. Police doubt the gang to be in inebriated condition while resorting to these cheap antics.

The new law provides for imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to five lakh rupees. However, no action is being taken to ensure a speedy investigation and trial. There was a provision in the ordinance that the investigation of the case would be completed within 60 days and a court would be given special responsibility in each district for timely trial. However, authorities are yet to take further action in this regard.

After Vandana's murder

1. May 10: Dr Vandana Das was stabbed to death in Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital

2. May 13: Attack on doctor in Kollam District Hospital

3. May 14: Policeman kicked, staff assaulted at Tirurangadi taluk hospital

4. May 18: Violence against staff at Ernakulam General Hospital

5. May 15-House surgeon assaulted at Kalamassery Medical College

6. May 16-19-year-old verbally assaulted casualty duty doctor at Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital

7. June 7-A doctor was attacked at a private hospital in Vadakkencherry

8- June 8: The medical officer of the family health centre was assaulted in Vaikom

9. June 12: Doctor slapped in Thalassery General Hospital.

10. June 20: Female PG doctor was harassed and threatened at Kottayam Medical College.