The medical staff and physicians at Medak Orthopaedic and General Hospital (MOGH) criticized the crowd of violence that occurred on their premises on Saturday night. Reporters were informed by Dr. Naveen of MOGH that "we were treating patients when about 100 to 150 people stormed in, threw stones, and broke our windows." A staff member suffered a leg fracture as a result of the incident, and furniture was damaged. Feeling deeply affected as she spoke, Dr. Naveen asked, "Is it wrong to care for a patient?"
Earlier that night, a right-wing crowd attacked Minhaj ul Uloom Madrasa in Medak, injuring several people. The madrasa had bought cattle for Bakrid sacrifices, which upset local right-wing groups. After police initially dispersed the crowd, the group returned an hour later and launched a violent attack on the madrasa, injuring many inside. Those injured were taken to MOGH for treatment.
However, the violence did not end there. The mob then targeted MOGH, where the injured from the madrasa were being treated. Stones were thrown, windows were smashed, and hospital staff were attacked. Dr. Naveen described the chaos, emphasizing that the hospital was simply doing its duty by treating the injured.
Police intervened and eventually managed to disperse the mob, using a lathi charge. Additional forces were deployed to the area, which remains tense. The situation in Medak reflects a larger pattern of increasing attacks on Muslims by Hindutva groups across India.
The attack on MOGH followed a series of violent incidents related to Eid al-Adha celebrations. In various states, right-wing groups have been targeting Muslims transporting cattle for sacrifices, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. Incidents have been reported in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
In Medak, the police arrested several people involved in the violence, including BJP Medak district president Gaddam Srinivas and other local leaders. Despite the arrests, the community remains on edge, with many fearing further violence.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Muslim leaders have urged their communities to follow guidelines to avoid further provocation. They recommend performing sacrifices in designated areas and not sharing images on social media to prevent tensions from escalating.
The violence and attacks on Muslims around Eid al-Adha have raised concerns about growing intolerance and communal tension in India. This recent spate of violence highlights the urgent need for greater protection and support for vulnerable communities.
The staff at MOGH are left questioning their safety and the moral state of their community. Dr. Naveen plans to discuss with other doctors in Medak how to move forward. The hospital staff, dedicated to their patients, are shocked and hurt by the violent interruption of their duty to care.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)