Two doctors on duty in separate state-run healthcare establishments in rural Malda were allegedly manhandled by people during the past 24 hours.

Police officers visited both locations and assured the doctors of steps against the attackers. Some Trinamool leaders of the district also met the two doctors who were beaten up by relatives of patients.

On Wednesday morning, Safikul Islam, 35, an e-rickshaw driver, died at the rural hospital in Manikchak, triggering his angry relatives and neighbours to demonstrate at the hospital around 35km from the district headquarters. During the demonstration, they allegedly assaulted Nirupam Roy, the on-duty doctor, accusing him ofIslam’s death.

Nusnera Khatun, Islam’s sister, said: “He had fever and was not critical. As we brought him to the hospital, the on-duty doctor prescribed medicine and suggested we take him home. As we were about to leave, he called us and said my brother should be admitted. During treatment, he died. We believe the doctor’s negligence led to my brother’s death.”

The police and Trinamool leaders reached the hospital and met the doctor and other staff. The police also took note of the accusation of the patient’s familyand decided to send the body for post-mortem.

This infuriated the protesters further. Additional forces reached the spot to control the situation. Eventually, the mob was dispersed and Islam’s body was sent to the Malda Medical College & Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem.

Roy, the on-duty doctor, refuted the charge. “The patient was critical. We tried to help him but he died. I am being deliberately targeted,” he said.

Avik Shankar Kumar, the block medical officer of health of Manikchak said they have informed higher officials about the incident. “The allegations of the deceased’s family will be verified. We are waiting for the post-mortem report,” he said.

On Tuesday night, another doctor was beaten up at the Moulpur block primary health centre in the Old Malda block of the district.

Sources said a four-year-old girl was brought to the health centre for treatment. Arindam Chaki, the on-duty physician admitted her. As her condition turned critical, he recommended that she be shifted to the MMCH.

Her angry family members and relatives allegedly assaulted Chaki and some other health staff.

“They alleged that by admitting the girl to the centre, the doctor had wasted time and should have referred the girl to the bigger hospital earlier. This is ridiculous,” said another doctor privy to the incident.

Police were informed, who reached the spot.

“Hospital authorities filed a complaint with us on Wednesday. Six persons, including three women, have been arrested in connection with the incident,” said an officer of Malda police station.

The girl, sources said, has been shifted to the MMCH where she is under treatment.