The Federation of Resident Doctors Association India (Forda) has threatened to go on a national-level strike if the accused who had attacked a postgraduate medico at the government run-Minto Hospital in Bengaluru are not arrested.

The Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) has also toughened its stand and threatened a complete shutdown of OPD services in private and government hospitals on Friday if their conditions are not met.

On Monday, Forda said in a letter to the Union minister of health and family welfare that: “It is beyond understanding that why the administration keeps the safety and security of doctors on such a low priority? If the accused are not arrested and action is not taken, they will be forced to agitate in solidarity with their brethren from Karnataka.”

Deputy Commissioner of police (south) Rohini Sepat Katoch said that they will act against the wrongdoersas soon as possible. A senior investigator said that junior doctor was not manhandled. CCTV footage has shown accused Ashwini Gowda and the woman doctor arguing. Gowda urged the doctor to speak in Kannada and she responded in English. She was alone and around 35 pro-Kannada activists were shouting at her.

Deputy Chief Minister and medical education minister CN Ashwath Narayan said the government won’t allow the issue to be politicized. He said that they shall take the protest to its logical end and will ensure justice is delivered to all. Regarding doctors’ safety, our government is fully committed. Also, they are thinking of deploying KISF personnel at hospitals.