High-voltage drama unfolded on Raisen Road on Wednesday as relatives of a deceased patient and local villagers staged a violent protest at a private hospital. The situation escalated into a full-blown clash with law enforcement, forcing the police to resort to a lathi-charge. In retaliation, the mob pelted stones at the police force, leaving eight personnel, including constables Hemant and Dharmendra, injured. The protesters also vandalised the vehicle of a Station House Officer (SHO). Following the violence, the police launched a crackdown and arrested seven individuals involved in the rioting and assault on public servants. According to Piplani SHO Chandrika Yadav, the deceased, identified as Laxman Dhanak, was a resident of Chhawani Pathar and worked at a commercial establishment in Patel Nagar. Originally hailing from Garhakota in Sagar district, Dhanak had collapsed at his home three days ago. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital on Raisen Road for treatment. However, he succumbed to a cardiac arrest at approximately 2 am on Tuesday. Upon receiving news of the death, relatives and villagers began congregating at the medical facility. On Wednesday morning, a group of nearly 25 women sat at the hospital gates, demanding entry into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

 

Hospital staff denied entry for safety reasons, leading to a scuffle in which one woman sustained a minor head injury. This incident further fuelled the tension, prompting the hospital management to alert the authorities. The conflict turned violent around 10:30 am as police prepared to move the body for a post-mortem examination. As the remains were placed in the hearse, a mob of 50 to 60 people surrounded the vehicle, attempting to pull the body onto the road to create a blockade. When police intervened, several protesters reportedly attacked personnel with footwear. To disperse the increasingly aggressive crowd, the police used force. The mob responded by pelting stones at the officers for nearly thirty minutes, causing a massive traffic gridlock on the busy Raisen Road. Additional reinforcements from Awadhpuri and Govindpura police stations were deployed to bring the situation under control. The grieving family has accused the doctors and hospital staff of administering a wrong injection, leading to the fatal outcome. Citing that the deceased was the sole breadwinner for his five children, the family demanded the registration of a negligence case against the hospital and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh. SHO Chandrika Yadav confirmed that a case has been registered against the rioters under sections pertaining to rioting, vandalism, obstructing public servants, and damaging government property.