Students attack security guards at Purnia medical college

Patna: Around 200 medical students allegedly attacked private security guards deputed at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Purnia late Tuesday night, injuring 22 of them.The situation escalated due to a complaint about a guard’s behaviour towards a female student. The students claimed that they had recorded the incident on their phones.The police, however, managed to calm the situation after pacifying the students.To protest the attack, the guards went on a strike on Wednesday, demanding action against the perpetrators and better security measures at the GMCH.A complaint was registered in the matter, and further investigation is going on, police said on Wednesday.Security personnel said the incident occurred after the guards completed their routine duty and slept inside the old OPD premises.Injured guard Abhishek Kumar Yadav alleged, “A group of around 200 medical students entered the building late in the night and launched a sudden assault. The attackers carried sticks, belts, bats, rods and lathis, and beat the guards severely, leaving several bleeding.”Cops said among the injured guards were Abhishek Kumar Yadav, Manoj Chaurasia, Mayank Kumar and Prince Kumar, along with others.

On Wednesday morning, security guards at the GMCH began a work boycott, alleging they would not return to duty until strict action was taken against those responsible. Guards also alleged that such incidents occurred repeatedly and the administration did not take effective steps to prevent violence on the campus. The boycott disrupted the hospital’s security arrangements, with staff warning that the situation left the facility vulnerable.A female guard, Nandini Devi, said: “Guards often face conflict when they try to stop students from leaving hostels at night to meet friends. If male guards can be attacked, female guards could be targeted next.”She also questioned the allegation, suggesting it could be a conspiracy and claiming that the video may not conclusively identify the guard involved.Phanishwarnath Renu ToP (police outpost) in charge Raj Nandni said, “Police are aware of a video allegedly showing obscene behaviour, and the matter is under investigation.” GMCH officials could not be contacted for their comments despite repeated attempts.