Mumbai — In a gruesome act of violence that has sent shockwaves across the city’s medical fraternity, a 26-year-old doctor was stabbed inside the premises of the prestigious King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel allegedly over a personal dispute linked to an affair. The late Thursday night assault has sparked outrage among hospital staff and raised renewed concerns about safety and security in one of Mumbai’s busiest public hospitals.
The police said the victim, Dr. Ritesh Kumar (name changed upon request for privacy), suffered stab injuries to his shoulder and back when two attackers, identified as Farid Khan and Nabeel Khan, who are relatives of a female staffer in the hospital, attacked him. The two accused, according to reports, confronted the doctor near the staff quarters regarding his alleged relationship with the woman, accusing him of having brought “dishonor” to their family.
The incident occurred at around 10:30 pm when the doctor was on his way back from work. The attackers, who had been waiting near the quarters of the hospital, cornered him and an altercation took place. Eyewitnesses said heated arguments were heard before one of the accused took out a knife and stabbed the doctor many times. Security guards and other staff rushed to the spot and overpowered the attackers before handing them over to the Bhoiwada Police.
Police officials said the two men were arrested under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. The weapon used in the attack has also been seized. “The motive seems personal, but we are verifying all angles, including previous threats or harassment, if any,” said an investigating officer from Bhoiwada Police Station.
Dr. Kumar was immediately admitted to KEM’s emergency unit, where he underwent minor surgery. His condition is reported to be stable, and he is currently recovering under observation. Hospital officials stated that his injuries were not life-threatening but have left him traumatized. “It is deeply disturbing that such an act of violence occurred within hospital premises. We are ensuring full medical and psychological support for the injured doctor,” said Dr. Sangeeta Deshmukh, Dean of KEM Hospital.
The incident has sparked outrage among doctors’ associations and resident staff. Condemning the attack, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors demanded stricter security measures within hospitals and immediate intervention by the government. “This is not an isolated incident. Medical professionals often face threats, abuses, and violence from outsiders. The government must ensure our safety,” a MARD spokesperson said in a statement.
Since the incident, hospital authorities have reviewed their internal security protocol. The CCTV footage of the attack has been given to the police, and additional guards have been deployed in the sensitive zones that include the staff quarters and parking areas. The hospital administration is also considering issuing ID-based access restrictions during night hours to prevent unauthorized entry.
This stabbing incident comes amidst growing reports of violence against healthcare professionals across India. A 2023 study conducted by the IMA reported that 75% of doctors have been victims of some sort of workplace violence, often at the hands of patients’ relatives or people with personal grudges. The KEM incident underlines the dire requirement for infrastructural upgrading of safety and legal protection for medical workers.
Social media were filled with messages in support of Dr. Kumar, with many doctors frustrated over the lack of sufficient action being taken against recurring violence in hospitals. “Doctors save lives every day, yet we constantly fear for our own. This is unacceptable,” wrote a Mumbai-based resident doctor on X.
The accused are to be produced before a magistrate court as investigations continue. According to police sources, even the female staff member connected with the case would be interrogated to ascertain if she played a role in the chain of events. For now, the KEM Hospital community is in shock. “We come here to heal people, not to fear for our safety,” said one resident doctor. “This attack is a reminder that medical workers need protection not just from disease, but from danger.” It is another wake-up call for the authorities to plug loopholes in hospital security, and to implement on a priority basis the long-pending Medical Protection Act in Maharashtra to ensure that those causing harm to healthcare providers get swift and severe punishment.
