TMC MLA Kanchan Mullick Threat — A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress MLA Kanchan Mullick was accused of threatening a senior doctor at a prominent Kolkata government hospital over alleged delays in treating a patient. The incident, which reportedly occurred late Tuesday night, has triggered intense debate over political interference in healthcare institutions.
Doctors’ associations, opposition leaders, and civil society groups have condemned the alleged behavior, calling for a detailed inquiry into the matter and better safeguards for medical professionals.
The Incident: Hospital Altercation Turns Heated
According to initial reports, the confrontation occurred at NRS Medical College and Hospital, where MLA Kanchan Mullick allegedly stormed into the emergency ward after a patient — believed to be a close relative of a party worker — was made to wait for treatment.
Eyewitnesses claim the MLA, accompanied by supporters, verbally abused hospital staff, banged on doors, and demanded immediate intervention, bypassing existing triage protocols.
“He entered like a VIP, shouted at nurses, and threatened the senior emergency physician,” said a hospital staff member on condition of anonymity. “The situation became tense until senior administrators intervened.”
TMC MLA Kanchan Mullick Threat: Doctor’s Complaint & Allegations
The doctor in question — Dr. Sudeep Chatterjee, a senior consultant on duty — has filed a written complaint with the Hospital Superintendent and the Medical College Dean, alleging:
- Intimidation and verbal abuse
- Disruption of emergency care processes
- Threats of political consequences if treatment was delayed
“I was attending to a critical head injury case. He demanded I leave that patient and see his referral immediately,” Dr. Chatterjee wrote in the complaint. “This behavior is not only unacceptable but dangerous.”
Doctors’ Associations React
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from across West Bengal’s medical fraternity.
- The West Bengal Doctors’ Forum (WBDF) issued a statement demanding police protection for government hospital staff and legal action against the MLA.
- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemned the “pattern of political bullying” in public health institutions.
- Resident doctors at NRS threatened to launch a statewide symbolic strike if no action is taken.
“We are not politicians. We are medical professionals. Political leaders have no right to intimidate us while we save lives,” said Dr. Debanjan Roy, WBDF spokesperson.
The MLA Responds: “Twisted Narrative”
Kanchan Mullick — who is also a well-known Bengali actor turned politician — has responded to the allegations, calling them “exaggerated and politically motivated.”
“I only asked the doctors to look into a case urgently. I never threatened anyone,” he said in a video statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). “As a people’s representative, I am allowed to ensure the welfare of my constituents.”
He also added that he’s open to an inquiry and claimed there’s a “BJP-backed attempt to malign his image.”
Political Reactions and Fallout
The controversy has become a political flashpoint:
- BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul condemned the incident, calling it “a blatant abuse of power.”
- Congress and CPI(M) leaders have demanded an apology from the TMC and action by the Assembly’s ethics committee.
- The TMC leadership has not officially commented, though sources suggest the Chief Minister’s Office has sought a report.
“Bengal is not a monarchy. Even MLAs are subject to the rule of law,” said BJP MP Dilip Ghosh in a press conference.
Healthcare Under Pressure: Systemic Issues Exposed
This incident has once again spotlighted the cracks in Bengal’s public health system:
- Overcrowded government hospitals
- Shortage of emergency staff and beds
- High expectations from elected leaders for VIP handling
- Weak enforcement of hospital protocol against interference
“Doctors often work 18-hour shifts under pressure. They are the softest targets for everyone’s anger — political or otherwise,” said Prof. Ranjana Mukherjee, sociologist at Jadavpur University.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time healthcare workers have been allegedly harassed by political figures in Bengal:
- 2019 NRS attack: Two junior doctors were assaulted after the death of a patient, leading to a week-long doctors’ strike.
- 2022 Burdwan incident: A local Trinamool councillor allegedly forced hospital staff to admit a VIP relative out of turn.
- 2023 SSKM incident: Tensions flared when MLA entourage tried entering an OT complex without permission.
Legal & Administrative Developments
- A formal complaint has been submitted to Lalbazar Police HQ.
- The State Health Secretary has reportedly sought an internal report.
- The Health Minister, Chandrima Bhattacharya, has remained silent, fuelling speculation.
If charges are proven, Mullick could face sections of the IPC related to intimidation, criminal trespass, and obstruction of public duty.
What the Law Says
Under Section 186 of the Indian Penal Code, obstructing a public servant in discharge of duty is a punishable offense with up to 3 months in jail.
Additionally, West Bengal has hospital safety protocols under the Clinical Establishments Act that prohibit unauthorized interference during emergency treatment.
External Resources and Links
- Indian Medical Association (IMA) – Official Website
- West Bengal Health & Family Welfare Department
- Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010
- Hospital Violence Data from PRS Legislative Research
Conclusion: Time for Reform?
While the dust has yet to settle, the incident has amplified calls for depoliticizing healthcare spaces. Many now want a legislative solution — including a “Healthcare Protection Act” with bailable offense provisions and jail time for assaults on medical staff.
As the political drama unfolds, Bengal’s doctors are left asking — “If we’re not safe in our hospitals, where are we safe?”
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