In a horrific incident, a doctor was stabbed by the son of a COVID-19 patient, who died at Alpha Superspeciality Hospital in Latur, Maharashtra, on July 29. The incident took place at around 7 am at the hospital. 

The 35-year-old accused is a resident of Udgir. His 60-year-old mother was admitted to the hospital on July 25, after she tested positive for COVID-19. The woman, who also suffered from co-morbidities, succumbed to COVID019 during the early hours of Wednesday. 

As per a PTI report, as Dr Dinesh Varma, who had earlier talked to the COVID-19 patient’s relatives about her serious condition, arrived at the hospital, her son (accused) and three other relatives indulged into a heated argument with him over the woman’s death.

In a fit of rage, the son suddenly picked up a sharp object and stabbed Dr Varma in the chest, neck and on the hand. Dr Varma got seriously injured during the incident and was admitted to another hospital to undergo treatment. 

According to the police, the accused was arrested soon. Condemning the incident, the local branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) announced that Out Patient Departments (OPD) in Latur would remain closed for a day in protest. The IMA also demanded round-the-clock protection from police to doctors.