THIS is the shocking moment a senior doctor in India repeatedly punched a patient lying in a hospital bed who asked to be spoken to with respect.
Footage shows the medical professional launching a flurry of vicious punches at the victims head as the helpless patient holds out his arms to shield himself.
The patient, who reportedly suffered a bloodied nose, can be seen kicking the doctor away with his legs while another doctor appears to restrain him.
Senior Resident Dr Raghav Narula, who worked at the Indira Ghandi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla, northern India, was suspended after the incident on Monday.
Victim Arjun Panwar, 36, was admitted to the hospital for breathing difficulties and was resting on a bed after tests.
He said the doctor began speaking to him rudely, using the Hindu word ‘tu’ – a term for ‘you’ that can be disrespectful when used with strangers.
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Arjun complained about the behaviour and asked to be spoken to with respect.
An argument then ensued before the doctor suddenly launched his violent attack on the patient, it is alleged.
Arjun told The Times of India: “After the test I lay down on a pulmonary ward as the doctors advised me to rest for a while.
“As I was resting, Dr Raghav came and started questioning me about what I was doing there and where my medical test reports where.
“He spoke to me very rudely and when I told him, ‘ Is this the way you talk to your family members?’ the doctor got enraged and started beating me.”
After the attack, Arjun filed a police report accusing the doctor of physical assault.
The shocking attack, which went viral on social media, triggered a protest by relatives of the victim outside the hospital demanding the doctors arrest.
The group has reportedly threatened to go on an indefinite strike inside the facility if action is not taken.
In a statement, IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao confirmed Dr Raghav had been suspended and an inquiry was underway.
He added that Dr Raghav had been found guilty in a preliminary probe into the incident.
The states Health Minister has reportedly requested a report into the matter and an initial version of events has already been sent to the government.
Police are also investigating the matter and have registered a First Information Report against the doctor, reports the Indian Express.
But Dr Raghav has hit back at the allegations with a statement declaring he “did not intend” to assault the patient.
He told Indian Express: “The patient behaved rudely with me first.
“I will put my side before police.”