A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has been booked by police in Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, following a protest during which he allegedly locked the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) over a perceived shortage of doctors. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, led to a brief disruption of hospital services.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that an FIR, numbered 63/2026, has been registered at the Banihal Police Station. The booking falls under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those pertaining to acts endangering human life or personal safety, wrongful restraint or obstruction, and conduct likely to cause public inconvenience or harm.
The detained leader, identified as Mohammad Saleem Bhat, who had previously contested Assembly elections on a BJP mandate, is alleged to have locked the main gate of SDH Banihal, situated along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. His protest was aimed at highlighting what he described as a severe shortage of medical staff at the facility.
According to Bhat, the hospital had recently seen the transfer of at least four doctors without any replacements being assigned. He contended that this situation has created significant difficulties for thousands of patients from the surrounding areas, including Banihal, Ramsoo, and Gool. Bhat emphasized the critical need for adequate medical personnel, particularly in light of the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, which is expected to draw a large number of pilgrims to the region.
The local administration intervened following the protest, leading to the removal of the lock and the assurance of further action. The registration of the FIR indicates a formal legal response to the disruption of services at the public healthcare facility.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, introduced new provisions and renumbered existing ones. The sections under which Bhat has been booked are significant as they address actions that could impact public safety and order, especially within essential service institutions like hospitals.
The shortage of doctors and medical staff in rural and semi-urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing concern. Such issues often lead to public outcry and protests, as residents depend heavily on local healthcare facilities for their medical needs. The SDH Banihal serves a considerable population spread across the Ramban district and adjoining areas.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by healthcare infrastructure in remote regions and the pressures on local administration to ensure the availability of essential services. The authorities are expected to investigate the claims of doctor shortage and take appropriate measures to address the staffing needs at SDH Banihal.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
