Mumbai: KEM Hospital doctor stabbed by woman’s brother over relationship dispute

KEM Hospital, where the victim works. File Pic/SHADAB KHAN

Upset that his sister was romantically involved with a doctor from KEM Hospital, a 20-year-old man allegedly attacked the medical professional with a knife outside the hospital on Wednesday morning. The accused, along with two friends, has been arrested by the Bhoiwada police.

According to police, the main accused, Fareed Khan, was furious that his sister, who works at KEM Hospital, was in a relationship with the victim, a doctor posted in the cardio-thoracic surgery (CTS) department. Fareed, along with his friends Nabil Imam Shaikh, 19, and Alishan Hashmi, 19, allegedly decided to confront and threaten the doctor to stay away from her.

Around 10.30 am on Wednesday, the trio approached the doctor near Ward 31 and asked him to accompany them to their Sewri residence to settle the matter. When the doctor refused, saying he wished to speak with the woman first, the accused led him towards Hanuman Mandir, opposite bus stop 57 in Parel. An argument ensued, during which Fareed allegedly drew a kitchen knife and stabbed the doctor in the back and right arm before threatening to kill him. The trio fled as bystanders scattered in panic.

The injured doctor was rushed for treatment and is now out of danger. Dr Mohan Desai, medical superintendent of KEM Hospital, said, "The doctor was stabbed thrice. Immediately after the incident, he was admitted to the emergency room, given necessary treatment, and kept under observation since Wednesday morning. He was discharged on Thursday as he is out of danger now."

Police action

Based on his statement, Bhoiwada police registered an FIR under Sections 109, 115, 118(1), 3(5), 351(3), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), for attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, and causing grievous hurt with a sharp weapon.

Police later arrested all three accused following a swift investigation. "We have collected CCTV footage from the hospital and nearby areas and recorded statements of witnesses. Given the sensitivity of the matter, special teams were formed, and we managed to trace and nab the accused within a day," said a senior police officer.

CCTV footage reportedly captured the entire incident. The victim identified Fareed and Nabil, both security guards at a construction site in Nagpada, leading to their arrest. The third accused, Alishan, was traced after informants identified him from CCTV clips. Acting on a tip-off, police picked him up from a market near Sewri.

Police said the trio initially planned only to intimidate the doctor. "They brought the knife to scare him, but when he refused to go with them, things turned violent," the officer added. Hospital sources said the young doctor, who joined KEM a few months ago, is recovering.

Victim reluctant

The victim was reluctant to file a complaint. His sister is set to get married in a few days, and to avoid complications or any damage to his or his girlfriend's reputation, who is a second-year resident doctor, he hesitated to register a case. "After much persuasion, he agreed," said a senior police officer, adding that further investigation is underway.