West Bengal Doctors' Association Files Formal Police Complaint Against Controversial Cardiologist
The Association of Health Service Doctors (AHSD), West Bengal, has escalated its concerns regarding the conduct of senior interventional cardiologist Dr. PK Hazra by submitting a formal written complaint to the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The complaint alleges that Dr. Hazra has engaged in highly unethical and illegal behavior by posting a photograph of the RG Kar rape-murder victim on social media platforms.
Allegations of Unethical and Politically Motivated Actions
In their detailed complaint, the doctors' organization has characterized Dr. Hazra's actions as not only unethical and illegal but also explicitly politically motivated. The AHSD has urgently called upon the police commissioner to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the cardiologist's social media activities and to pursue criminal proceedings under all relevant legal sections. This move follows a series of controversial actions by Dr. Hazra that have drawn significant criticism from the medical community.
Background of the Controversial 'Jai Shree Ram' Discount Scheme
Dr. PK Hazra first attracted widespread attention and condemnation a few days prior to this incident when he announced a controversial discount scheme at his private clinic. The cardiologist publicly declared on social media that patients visiting his clinic would receive a discount of Rs 500 if they chanted 'Jai Shree Ram'. This announcement was met with immediate backlash from numerous medical professionals and organizations, who argued that it blatantly violated established medical and professional ethics.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengal chapter formally requested Dr. Hazra to provide a detailed explanation for this unconventional and ethically questionable promotional strategy. The medical fraternity expressed deep concern over the commercialization of religious sentiments within a professional healthcare setting.
Escalation with Alleged Victim Photograph Post
Shortly after the discount scheme controversy, Dr. Hazra further escalated the situation by sharing a photograph of two women on social media. Accompanying text indicated that his 'JSR scheme was dedicated to this girl', though no specific individual was named in the post. It has been reported that one of the women in the photograph is purportedly the mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, who is currently the BJP candidate from the Panihati constituency in the ongoing elections.
Utpal Bandyopadhyay, the General Secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors, stated in the formal complaint: "We demand an urgent probe into the social media activity and the operational ethics of Dr. Hazra's private practice and take lawful measures under relevant sections of the BNS for the unauthorized and unethical use of the victim's image for commercial or political gain." The complaint emphasizes the serious nature of using a victim's image without consent for what appears to be political campaigning purposes.
Doctor's Defense and Political Stance
When confronted about these allegations, Dr. PK Hazra offered his perspective on the matter. The cardiologist explained: "I have only mentioned that my scheme is dedicated to this girl and have urged people to vote for the BJP candidate." Dr. Hazra further maintained that, as a staunch supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he possesses the legitimate right to campaign and encourage citizens to vote for the party's candidates during the election period.
Mixed Reactions from the Public and Medical Community
While Dr. Hazra's actions have been widely criticized by medical ethics boards, professional associations, and many social media users, there has been a notable division in public response. Some individuals have openly praised and supported the cardiologist on various social media platforms, creating a polarized discussion around medical ethics, political expression, and professional conduct.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between professional medical ethics and political activism, particularly during election seasons when healthcare professionals may feel compelled to express political affiliations. Medical associations continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards regardless of personal political beliefs.
