Dera Bassi, April 12: At least 11 people sustained injuries in a violent clash between two groups over alleged illegal mining in Mukandpur village, Punjab, late Friday night. The confrontation later spilled over into a government hospital, triggering panic among patients and staff.
Mohali Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain confirmed that four injured individuals were admitted to GMCH-32 in Chandigarh, three to Mohali Civil Hospital, and four to Dera Bassi Sub-Divisional Hospital.
Tensions intensified when members of both groups confronted each other again at the Dera Bassi hospital. The altercation turned violent, with hospital property vandalized and terrified patients forced to flee for safety in the middle of the night.
“Patients and their attendants were seen running out of wards when the fight broke out again. The atmosphere was terrifying,” said a hospital staff member, who requested anonymity.
Medical staff at the hospital raised concerns over the lack of security, calling the working conditions unsafe. “There is no sense of protection here. We work under constant threat,” said a doctor posted at the facility.
Hospital employees said furniture, flowerpots, wheelchairs, and tables were thrown during the scuffle. “Chaos prevailed inside the hospital for nearly 30 minutes before police arrived and brought the situation under control,” a nurse on duty stated.
Police reached the spot and detained several individuals involved in the violence. Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek visited the Dera Bassi hospital on Saturday to assess the situation.
The investigation into the incident and the alleged illegal mining dispute is ongoing.
