Bhopal Police Order Inquiry After Water Cannon Used on Protesting Intern Doctors

The Madhya Pradesh police have ordered an inquiry into the use of a water cannon against protesting intern doctors at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. The action, captured in videos that went viral on Monday, showed young doctors in white lab coats being drenched by the water jet.

The inquiry was ordered after the matter reached Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-2) Vikas Sahwal as the inquiry officer on Tuesday.

Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Shailendra Singh Chouhan said the investigation would be impartial and cover all aspects and parties involved. "If anything wrong was done to anyone… an independent and proper investigation will be conducted to establish the facts," he said.

The incident occurred during an ongoing protest by intern doctors demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from around Rs 14,000 to Rs 30,000. They argue the current amount is insufficient given their workload and rising living costs. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has supported the demand.

Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence to press for a written assurance on the stipend hike. Police had placed barricades near the hospital to stop the march. The confrontation began when some protesters tried to move past the barricades.

Police claim the protesters initially agreed to move towards the eastern gate but later pushed towards the emergency gate, prompting the use of the water cannon. The protesters, however, say they were holding a peaceful demonstration and allege excessive force was used. At least one intern reportedly required hospital treatment after being hit by the water cannon. The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the use of the water cannon and whether the police action was appropriate.