In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the medical community, a doctor allegedly stabbed a junior nursing staff member at the Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua on Thursday evening, leaving both the nurse and a canteen worker critically injured. The attack comes amid growing nationwide concerns over the safety of healthcare workers.
The violent confrontation unfolded near the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Training (ANMT) section when Dr. Zaheer Abbas, affiliated with Vijaypur Accident Hospital, allegedly attacked junior nurse Rahul Kotwal over what police describe as a personal dispute. Dr. Abbas, a resident of Janipur, Jammu, reportedly confronted Kotwal before the situation escalated into violence.
Vivek Sharma, a canteen operator who attempted to intervene during the assault, also sustained serious injuries in the incident. Witnesses report that the attack was particularly brutal, with multiple stab wounds inflicted on Kotwal.
“The accused was apprehended with blood-soaked clothes,” Amar Ujala reported quoting, Ajay Chib, City Police Station in-charge. “We have secured a three-day police remand for further investigation. The police have registered multiple charges and launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.”
The medical response team at GMC Kathua acted swiftly, providing immediate emergency care to both victims. While Sharma remains under observation at GMC Kathua, Kotwal’s injuries proved more severe, requiring over three hours of surgical intervention. Due to the critical nature of his condition, Kotwal was transferred to GMC Jammu before being moved to a private hospital in Punjab by his family, where he continues to receive intensive care.
The incident has catalyzed growing concerns among healthcare professionals regarding workplace safety. Medical staff across the region are voicing their apprehensions, with many warnings that failure to address these security issues could precipitate a larger crisis in healthcare delivery.
“This attack represents a disturbing breach of trust within our medical community,” said a senior staff member at GMC Kathua, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We need immediate implementation of enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents.”
Dr. Zahir Abbas allegedly used his medical expertise in a violent attack against junior nursing staff member Rahul Kotwal. According to police reports and eyewitnesses, Dr. Abbas targeted Rahul with precise blows to critical areas, including his neck, abdomen, and arm, indicating an apparent intent to inflict fatal injuries. Each wound seemed calculated, leaving Rahul in critical condition and in need of specialized treatment. Following emergency care at GMC Kathua ultimately transferred to Amandeep Hospital in Amritsar, where he is currently undergoing intensive treatment.
Medical experts at Amandeep Hospital are working around the clock, though his recovery remains uncertain due to the severity of his injuries.
Meanwhile, the hospital administration at Kathua has called for emergency meetings to review existing security protocols, while staff associations are demanding comprehensive safety reforms. There are growing concerns about potential strikes or protests if authorities fail to address these security concerns adequately.
This incident has intensified calls for nationwide legislation to protect healthcare workers, with medical associations across the country expressing solidarity with the victims and demanding stricter penalties for violence against medical professionals. As the investigation continues, the medical community watches closely, hoping this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in healthcare workplace safety.
