Written by Saurabh ParasharShimla | December 30, 2025 03:58 PM IST 3 min readThe case involves the alleged assault of a patient by a doctor at IGMC in Shimla. (File Photo)The dispute over the alleged assault of a patient by a doctor at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla on December 22 was resolved peacefully Tuesday as both parties agreed to a compromise.Doctor Raghav Narula and patient Arjun Panwar, who were at the centre of the controversy, apologised to each other, shook hands and hugged each other in the presence of the media, family members and members of the doctors’ fraternity in the office of Naresh Chauhan, principal media adviser to the chief minister, at the Himachal Pradesh secretariat in Shimla.Addressing the media, Dr Narula said, “We both decided to sort out our differences and come together. I have expressed regret to the people of the state.” Dr Narula was terminated from service after a purported video went viral showing him allegedly punching patient Arjun Singh in the pulmonary ward of IGMC Shimla.Arjun Singh said, “We agreed to forgive each other. Dr Narula has expressed his regret over the unfortunate incident.”Maintaining that he was aware that Dr Narula is set to get married in February, Arjun Singh added, “I will definitely attend his marriage if Dr sahib invites me.”Dr Narula is a native of Paonta Sahib in Sirmour district, while Arjun Singh belongs to the Kupvi area near Choppal in Shimla district. The family members of both also thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.Principal Media Adviser Naresh Chauhan said, “The December 22 assault was unfortunate. It was not a pre-planned attack. Both parties decided to forgive each other and proceed further.”Story continues below this adSanjeev Gandhi, Superintendent of Police (SP), Shimla, said, “We have come to know that a compromise has been struck between the doctor and the patient. So far, we have yet to receive a copy of the compromise.”Assault leads to strike by doctorsAfter the alleged assault came to light, an FIR was registered against Dr Narula. Later, another short video surfaced on social media showing heated arguments between the doctor and the patient, with the latter allegedly kicking the physician inside the pulmonary ward.The controversy paralysed health services, as doctors went on an indefinite strike and the opposition blamed the state government for the ensuing chaos. Doctors’ associations, including the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Medical Officers’ Association (HPMOA) and the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT), demanded the reinstatement of Dr Narula.On Monday, doctors called off their strike after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the doctors’ associations that the government would look into the issue and constituted a committee to review the decision to terminate Dr Narula.Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... 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