ADM Slaps Doctor in Araria; Private Doctors Stage Strike Across District

Araria, Feb 13, 2026: Tensions escalated in Araria district after an Assistant District Magistrate (ADM) allegedly slapped a private doctor during an inspection at a local hospital, sparking a wider conflict and prompting all private doctors in the district to go on strike.

Incident at Bachpan Neo & Child Hospital

The incident occurred on February 12 when a special inspection team, formed under the directives of the District Magistrate Vinod Duhan, visited private nursing homes, ultrasound centers, and pathology labs to check for compliance with operational and safety standards. The inspection at Bachpan Neo & Child Hospital on Farbisganj Referral Road was led by ADM Dr. Rambabu.

According to reports, a heated exchange of accusations broke out between the inspection team and the hospital staff. In the ensuing confrontation, ADM Dr. Rambabu allegedly slapped Dr. Deepak Kumar, who serves as Chief Medical Officer at Nirmali Sub-Divisional Hospital in Supaul. A physical altercation followed, captured on CCTV cameras installed in the hospital, showing the initial slap and subsequent scuffle.

Doctors’ Response and Strike

Following the incident, supporters of Dr. Deepak Kumar reportedly detained the inspection team in a room for around 30 minutes. The situation was resolved when SDM Abhay Kumar Tiwari, Sub-Divisional Election Officer Avinash Krishna, and police forces arrived and freed the detained officials, which included ADM Dr. Rambabu, PHC in-charges, and accompanying police personnel.

In protest, private doctors across Araria district went on strike, with support from local and state-level branches of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the professional body Bhasha. Meetings were held in Araria, Purnia, and Supaul to discuss the serious implications of the incident.

Statements from Involved Parties

Dr. Deepak Kumar confirmed the incident and stated that the CCTV footage clearly shows the ADM initiating the physical confrontation. He also admitted that hospital staff and he had engaged in defensive actions during the scuffle.

Civil Surgeon Dr. K.K. Kashyap visited the site, reviewed the situation, and confirmed that the inspection team was tasked with ensuring that private hospitals comply with standards related to hospital registration, fire safety, waste management, ultrasound and pathology operations, and verification of doctors’ degrees and credentials.

IMA Takes a Firm Stand

The IMA, along with Bhasha, has taken the matter seriously. While local-level decisions are currently guiding the response, the state-level medical association may take further action depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.