The incident took place on Thursday afternoon when the two of them had gone to discharge a patient from Gupta Hospital in Baghapurana. According to reports, the two got angry after the nurse asked them to wait their turn. The video, which has now gone viral, shows son Gurjit Singh first arguing with the nurse. Then, Paramjit Singh is seen pushing the woman hard enough for her to fall over. The two then slap her even as another hospital official is seen trying to stop them.
According to NDTV, Singh is the husband of village sarpanch Daljit Kaur. But other media reports said that Singh claimed to be the sarpanch himself. The nurse told NDTV that she had asked them to wait outside when she found them occupying seats "meant for staff". She said, "They could not take it and began to abuse me... to which I objected but they slapped me and pushed me to the floor, they hit me even though I requested them to spare me because of my condition."
The duo has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including house trespass to commit an offence, causing hurt voluntarily, criminal intimidation, and common intent, reported the Hindustan Times.
The Shiromani Akali Dal is currently the ruling party in Punjab, which will go to polls next year. Opposition parties condemned the incident and took the opportunity to gain political mileage. Former Congress legislator from Moga Darshan Singh Brar told the Hindustan Times, "The vandalism and arrogance of the Akalis is on display. If police fail to take action against the accused, we will start protests.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!