A private security guard posted in the state-run super-speciality hospital in Chanchal of Malda was thrashed by relatives of a patient on Saturday.

Police have arrested two persons in connection with the incident. A case has been registered against them.

Mansoor Ali, the security guard, was manhandled when he denied entry to the relatives of a patient since it was not the designated visiting hours.

"Moreover, they were not carrying the visiting passes issued by the hospital authority. They beat me up and even tore my uniform," Ali said.

After the recent incident at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta, security has been beefed up in all state-run health establishments in the state, including the hospital in Chanchal.

"A private security agency has been engaged to provide male and female guards in different wards and at the entry and exit points of the hospital. Altogether, 14 women and 15 men have been engaged by the agency," said a source in the hospital.

“As the relatives of a patient were forcibly trying to enter the ward, the security guard stopped them and said they would not be allowed to meet the patient in a group without valid visiting passes.

“Suddenly they turned violent and started raining punches on him. This is disappointing as he was doing his duty,” the source added.

As the news spread, a team from Chanchal police station reached the spot. The hospital authorities filed a complaint with the police.

Police acted on the complaint and nabbed Badal Ali and Habibul Khan, both from the Kaligram area. “We are searching for others who were involved in the assault,” said a police officer.

Tridib Maiti, the assistant superintendent of the hospital, said a similar incident occurred three days back.

“We are providing all possible services to the patients. Their families and relatives should cooperate with us. Instead, a section of them are resorting to highhandedness,” he said.