Mystery email claims BHU doctor assaulted ‘Doctor God’ inside hospital, institute denies

VARANASI: An email alleging that emeritus professor of Institute of Medical Sciences-BHU and Padma Shri awardee TK Lahiri (85) was beaten up by a doctor at the super-speciality ward of SSL Hospital, where he has been admitted since Jan 27, prompted the hospital authorities to swing into action.Lahiri, popularly known as “Doctor God”, retired from IMS-BHU in 2003, but continues to provide free medical consultation to patients.As photographs of Lahiri showing marks of injury on his cheek and blood clot in one of his eyes went viral on social media, the authorities constituted a medical board to probe the allegations. Based on the board’s report, the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Punit, termed the allegations of assault or misconduct against Lahiri baseless.Posing as Lahiri’s relative, the mailer blamed a doctor for allegedly assaulting and abusing him inside the ward where he is being treated in the super-speciality block of SSL Hospital.Taking note of the allegations, BHU said in an official statement that after receiving the email, vice-chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Institute of Medical Sciences-BHU director Prof SN Sankhwar and Dr Punit swung into action.Dr Punit said that after receiving the email, he and the IMS-BHU director visited Lahiri in the ward and enquired about his health. On Sept 3, the MS ordered a comprehensive examination of Lahiri by specialists from cardiology, general medicine, psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, critical care, and tuberculosis and chest diseases.According to the specialists’ reports, Lahiri is suffering from age-related physical and mental health conditions, including heart disease, tuberculosis-related ailments, senile dementia and behavioural changes. Due to these conditions, Lahiri sometimes shows reluctance regarding treatment, daily routine and personal hygiene, mentioned the varsity.He was admitted to Sir Sunderlal Hospital on Jan 27, with chest-related complaints and has since been under continuous care and treatment by doctors and hospital staff. Since his admission, Dr Punit said BHU administration tried contacting his family members to update them regarding his health, but no relative came forward for his care so far.The IMS director and medical superintendent continue to monitor his health and visited him again in the ward on Sunday, claimed the vasrity.Lahiri regularly walks from home to the super speciality block OPD. Lahiri, revered for his dedication to service, is known for donating a large part of his pension, refusing assistance and teaching generations of students. He is also a familiar figure on campus, often seen heading to his workplace from the VC Lodge in his apron, carrying an umbrella in one hand and a black bag in the other. He was awarded the Padma Sri in 2016 in recognition of his contribution to society and the medical profession.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Varanasi | Silver Rate in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi | Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Petrol Price in Varanasi | Diesel Price in Varanasi | CNG Price in Varanasi | LPG Price in VaranasiStay updated with the latest Varanasi news. Download the TOI App.