Doctor shot at in Jalandhar market, 3 youths flee on bike

A city-based nephrologist was shot at while he was coming out of a grocery store on Tuesday evening in Urban Estate, Phase-2, locality near here.

Dr Rahul Sood (50), who serves at Kidney Hospital here and resides in Jalandhar Heights-2, made purchases for the birthday of his daughter. He was heading towards his car in the parking area when three youths loitering there waylaid him. They attacked him but Dr Sood fought back after which one of them fired a gunshot in his leg and fled the spot.

The doctor reportedly called up some acquaintances from the spot after which police teams, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet S Dhillon and ADCP-2 Harinder Pal S Gill, arrived at the spot. The doctor was rushed back to Kidney Hospital. The police teams culled CCTV footages from the area to gather evidences.

It is being perceived that the assailants wanted to snatch his car to which the doctor resisted. The victim has denied having received any extortion call or having enmity with anyone. The police are learnt to have identified the accused on the basis of a bike on which the three youth fled from near the spot. "We should be able to nab the accused shortly", said a senior cop.

Following the attack, sharp reactions came up today. Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh has expressed concern and said it seemed to be an attempt to either kidnap or rob the doctor. "This is the grim reality of collapsing law and order under Bhagwant Mann's government", he said.

Even the Indian Medical Association has expressed solidarity with Dr Sood. "He is a senior member of our organisation and the attack on him is deeply concerning. All members of the IMA stand in solidarity with him during this challenging time. The IMA had previously demonstrated its ability to mobilise support and push for urgent action in cases involving violence against medical professionals", the IMA district unit has sent out a message.

The message reads, "It is essential to urge the administration to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice promptly. We request the administration to initiate a swift and impartial investigation into the attack on Dr Sood. We advocate for enhanced security measures in hospitals and medical facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future. The IMA always work towards creating a safer environment for medical professionals and ensuring that justice is served in cases of violence against them".

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CCTV footages being checked

The police teams have culled CCTV footages from the area to gather evidences. It is being perceived that the assailants wanted to snatch his car to which the doctor resisted. The victim has denied having received any extortion call or having enmity with anyone. The police are learnt to have identified the accused on the basis of a bike on which the three youth fled from near the spot.