The Basirhat Super Speciality Hospital turned into a battleground on Friday afternoon after relatives of a deceased patient vandalised the facility, accusing the hospital staff of negligence and poor treatment.

At least four staff members of the hospital, including a doctor, and three visitors were injured in the incident.

The incident occurred at a time when doctors across the country are demanding security in light of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta

The patient, Samad Mandal, 35, a resident of Ramchandrapur-Narkelberia village in Baduria, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday night with chest pain. He passed away on Friday afternoon.

The patient's relatives and some villagers, in a fit of rage, stormed the hospital, targeting the emergency section. They vandalised computers, furniture, and other hospital property, and also assaulted doctors and nurses, spreading panic among patients and their relatives.

The situation escalated quickly, prompting the authorities to call the police. As the situation went out of control, a large contingent of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and combat force personnel were pressed into action. In response to the violence, the police have initiated a case based on a complaint lodged by the hospital authorities.

The relatives of the deceased patient have alleged that despite repeated pleas for medical attention, the hospital staff showed gross negligence.
"We requested for a visit of a doctor multiple times for better management of the patient's condition, but no one bothered to attend to him as his condition deteriorated," one family member lamented.

Superintendent of hospital Ranjan Roy told The Telegraph, "There was no negligence and the family members were apprised about his poor condition. But they didn't realise it and blamed us for death. They attacked our staff created panic among other patients and their relatives and vandalised our establishment.".

Senior police officers, including SP Basirhat Hossain Mehedi Rehman, visited the hospital and beefed up security arrangements.

An investigating officer said: "The offenders have been identified and will be arrested soon."

"We understand and support the grievances of the doctors. But at the same time, they are neglecting their duties," a relative of the patient said.