Mumbai: Tension gripped civic-run Cooper Hospital in Juhu late on Friday after a patient’s son allegedly assaulted three doctors following his mother’s death during emergency treatment.

According to police and hospital authorities, the accused, identified as Samir Abdul Jabbar Shaikh, attacked the medical staff after his 57-year-old mother, Sajeeda Shaikh, was declared dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The incident triggered widespread outrage among resident doctors, who have since gone on a mass casual leave, demanding stronger security measures across Mumbai’s civic hospitals.

The patient, a resident of Andheri, was brought to the hospital’s casualty ward around midnight in a critical condition. Duty doctor Dr Gaurav Anandgaonkar (25) and intern Dr Prashant Bhadke attempted to revive her through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but she did not respond. A subsequent ECG confirmed her death.

Enraged by the news, Shaikh allegedly began abusing and threatening the medical team, accusing them of negligence and delay in treatment.

He then punched Dr Anandgaonkar multiple times in the face, assaulted intern Dr Bhadke, and attacked Dr Karan, who suffered injuries to his face, eyes, chest, and abdomen while trying to shield his colleagues.

Hospital guards and relatives eventually restrained the accused. The incident, partially captured on CCTV cameras, clearly shows the man charging at the doctors in the casualty department. 

Dr Anandgaonkar said that the treatment was started before the admission procedure. “While we were examining the woman Sajeeda (57), the accused kept threatening us. He warned us with dire consequences if we could not revive his mother. He kept abusing us while we were providing treatment,” he added. 

The Juhu police have registered a case against Shaikh for abuse, assault, and criminal intimidation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. He was, however, released after being served a notice, citing the non-cognizable nature of some charges.

Following the attack, the BMC’s Medical Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) issued a strong warning to the civic administration, demanding the deployment of armed security personnel at high-risk hospital zones.

They have set a 5 pm Monday deadline for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to respond, failing which they threaten a citywide protest in all civic hospitals.

“Doctors cannot be expected to work in fear,” a resident doctor said. “Security is non-negotiable. Without protection, patient care itself will be compromised.”

The hospital administration said it has increased police presence temporarily while discussions are underway with the civic body for enhanced security arrangements.