SMO writes to Mann alleging intimidation after refusing to falsify dope test report

In a dramatic turn of events in Jagraon, the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) has written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, raising concerns over pressure and intimidation he allegedly faced after refusing to manipulate a drug test report. It was after he was summoned by a departmental inquiry committee, even though he had earlier lodged a police complaint against a person said to be associated with the local MLA.

Dr Harjit Singh, the SMO at the Jagraon Civil Hospital, stated in his letter that on August 27, a person, Sajan Malhotra, came to the hospital with a friend seeking a dope test. Malhotra openly admitted that his friend consumed opium but still requested a negative test result. When the SMO refused and advised the man to return after at least three weeks of abstaining from drug usage, things allegedly took an ugly turn.

Dr Singh claims the man got aggressive, used abusive language and threatened him with serious consequences.

He further alleged that Malhotra claimed to be acting on behalf of the husband of Jagraon’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Sarvjit Kaur Manuke.

He said following the confrontation, he filed a formal complaint with the SSP, but no action was taken even after over two weeks. In contrast, a swift response was initiated after Malhotra submitted a complaint against him on August 30 to the Health Department, accusing him and his staff of corruption and misconduct.

Within days, a committee was formed by Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur and Dr Singh was summoned to appear before it on September 12.

In his latest letter addressed to the Chief Minister and the Health Minister, Dr Singh voiced frustration and disappointment over what he described as selective action. He emphasised his dedication to the government’s campaign against drug abuse, citing his past recognition and awards for exemplary service.

“The irony is stark. I took a stand for integrity but instead of action being taken against those trying to undermine our fight against drugs, I’m being hauled up for questioning” alleged Dr Singh.

The Civil Surgeon confirmed that Dr Singh had indeed been summoned to appear before the committee to address the allegations made by Malhotra.

On her part, MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke has categorically denied any involvement of her family or party workers in the matter. Dismissing the SMO’s claims, she warned that she intends to raise the issue with the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, accusing Dr Singh of attempting to malign her reputation.

“Sajan Malhotra is associated with AAP but that does not mean he was acting on behalf of my family. Any such implication is defamatory and unacceptable,” the MLA said.