Ranchi: The medical community has expressed strong outrage after a prominent ENT doctor in the capital city was threatened and demanded a ransom of Rs 2 crore. IMA Vice President Dr Abhishek K Ramadhin condemned the incident, describing the WhatsApp threats from Dubai and the ransom demand as alarming, raising concerns over safety and security.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Ramadhin said it appeared the state was once again witnessing incidents of ransom and abduction. He emphasised that demanding ransom from a doctor questions the law and order situation in the state. He urged district authorities to take immediate action, ensure the arrest of the accused, and provide security for the affected doctor.
Dr Ramadhin further demanded that strict legal provisions be applied promptly in such cases and that robust security measures be implemented across all health centres in the state. He appealed to both the state and central governments to implement strong central legislation against violence, threats, and extortion targeting doctors, ensuring that medical professionals can perform their duties without fear.
He added that doctors across Jharkhand and the country stand united against this incident and warned that if strict action is not taken, the medical community may consider protest measures. Protecting healthcare professionals remains the highest priority.
The threat was directed at Dr Samit Lal, a well-known ENT specialist in Ranchi, who received the WhatsApp message from Dubai demanding Rs 2 crore along with threats to his life.