ALAPPUZHA: Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) observed black day on Tuesday protesting the attack on its vice-president Dr Sabu Sugathan. K. Hariprasad, district president, said some 325 doctors in Alappuzha district took part in the protest. "The attacks against doctors and hospitals are increasing in the state as the authorities turn a blind eye. Dr Sugathan came under the attack on a highway without any serious reason," told reporters here.
"The police tried to protect the culprits, who were let off on minor charges. The district medical officer had to intervene to register their arrest." They attacked him on Sunday night at Providence Junction, Cherthala, when his car hit a parked vehicle. Police said they held Communist Party of India Cherthala Mandalam committee member M.M. Niyas and West local committee member A. Saji on the doctor's complaint and released them on bail since they committed a bailable offence.
As per the complaint, they chased down the doctor's car and roughed him up. The doctor said that his car crashed the rear-view mirror as accused parked their vehicle on the track and opened the door without listening vehicle approaching from behind. 'They had not only violated traffic rules but also went on assaulting me," his complaint said. He has been admitted to Medical College Hospital here. Meanwhile, they also registered a counter complaint accusing him of attacking them.
