Dimapur
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Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 4
The Nagaland Police on April 4 woke up to volleys of stinging criticism on social media after a report about an assault on a doctor went viral.
According to social media posts, one doctor was allegedly assaulted by the police while returning home from work on the night of April 3 in Dimapur.
How it happened was still unclear as there was no official statements from the police or the Health Department.
When contacted, the police said that they are making enquiries into the incident.
According to one version, Dr Nesozol Sezo, SMO of Medziphema PHC, presently based at the District Hospital, Dimapur, on account of the COVID-19 crisis, was beaten up by police personnel in Purana Bazaar.
Dr Sezo is part of Dimapur's COVID-19 quarantine team.
"The incident happened near his house at around 11:30pm. He was returning after completing his shift at the hospital (now a declared COVID-19 hospital)," informed one doctor.
He said that the incident was demoralising for the doctors and the entire medical family, especially at a time when Nagaland and the world is in the midst of a health crisis.
He added that some doctors were even warning of ceasing work to express discontent.
While adding that it was yet undecided, the doctor informed that they were deliberating on actions to be taken up.
He said that the district administration should take it up as a priority to issue special passes to medical personnel, while citing that such incidents recurring can become demoralising factors and cannot be ruled out.
"We have our own service IDs but it cannot be pasted on cars. I think that some police personnel have not been properly sensitised on the exemptions," he said.
Dr Sezo, however, could not be reached for comment.
Nagaland DGP assures action, apologises
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Police chief has initiated enquiry into the incident and assured that action would be taken against those found guilty. He further apologised on behalf of the department to Dr Sezo and medical fraternity.
“As Head of the Police department I wish to tender my sincere apologies to Dr. Nesozol Sezo and the Medical fraternity for the unfortunate incident involving Dr. Sezo and a few Police personnel last night, stated a statement by Director General of Police, Nagaland T John Longkumer.
“An enquiry is being conducted and action will be against those found guilty,” he said in the statement posted on the official Twitter handle of Nagaland Police.
“I appeal to all our Medical brethren for your forbearance and forgiveness,” he added.
The State top cop's statement, hopefully, would settle the matter for now.
More details are awaited.
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