A surgeon at Kundapur Government Hospital has been suspended by the Health Department after allegedly assaulting and threatening a journalist over a corruption report.

  • Dr. Mahendra Kumar Shetty, a surgeon at Kundapur Government Hospital, has been suspended.
  • The suspension follows an alleged physical assault and death threats against journalist Shrikant Hemmady.
  • The conflict originated from a news report alleging illegal collection of money from poor patients.
  • Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

In a disturbing turn of events in Kundapur, a medical professional has been caught in a legal storm following an act of violence against the press. Dr. Mahendra Kumar Shetty, a surgeon at the Kundapur Government Hospital, was suspended by the Department of Health and Family Welfare after being accused of assaulting and threatening journalist Shrikant Hemmady.

The incident stems from a recent investigative report published by Mr. Hemmady in a Kannada daily. The report alleged systemic corruption within the Kundapur hospital, specifically claiming that money was being illegally collected from impoverished patients for surgeries and essential medical services. Following the publication, Dr. Shetty had publicly accused the journalist of spreading falsehoods via social media.

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The situation escalated violently on Friday during a confrontation at a local hotel. According to police reports and widely circulated social media footage, a heated verbal exchange between the two men turned physical, with Dr. Shetty allegedly assaulting the journalist and issuing death threats. The Kundapur police have since registered a formal case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing sections related to wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult, and criminal intimidation.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight a growing trend of hostility towards investigative journalism in local administrative sectors. When medical professionals resort to violence to suppress reports of financial malpractice, it undermines public trust in the healthcare system and threatens the safety of those upholding transparency.

Violence against the press is a direct assault on the democratic fabric of our society.

Historical Background

Historically, journalists covering grassroots corruption in regional India have faced significant risks. The transition from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) marks a new legal era in how such criminal intimidations and physical assaults are prosecuted in the country.

Did You Know?: The Udupi District Union of Working Journalists has formally demanded the immediate arrest of the accused to protect the fraternity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the reason for the surgeon's suspension?
Answer: The Health Commissioner ordered the suspension due to dereliction of duty and irresponsible, violent behavior toward a member of the press.

Question 2: What are the specific charges against Dr. Shetty?
Answer: He faces charges under Sections 126(2), 115(2), 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.