Dr TK Lahiri
In the email, the family mainly requested the university administration to ensure Prof Lahiri’s safety and prevent any recurrence of such incident; conduct an impartial and serious inquiry into the matter; ensure proper medical examination and treatment in view of his health and injuries, especially on the face and head; immediately inform family members about any such incident in future; and establish a fixed contact arrangement so that the family receives regular updates on his health. During his interaction with the minister, Dr Lahiri clearly denied that any untoward incident had taken place with him. The family also urged people to avoid public comments that could affect the dignity and reputation of a senior and respected doctor.
As a representative of chief minister Yogi Adityanath , UP minister Ravindra Jaiswal visited Dr Lahiri on Sunday evening and directed university officials to constitute a joint team comprising university personnel, district administration officials and police to ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations.
Considering the family’s concern, I met him today and also arranged a video call with his family members so that they could directly speak to him and know about his well-being,” Ashutosh said.
A video of Lahiri’s conversation of less than a minute with his sister and brother-in-law, shared by Ashutosh, showed the veteran doctor laughing loudly while referring to his brother-in-law as, “Ye hamare ghar ka sabse chhota damad hai” (he is the youngest son-in-law of our family). His family expressed satisfaction with the university’s role in the entire episode and the care being provided to Lahiri. “Dr Lahiri’s family members had contacted us through email, and the email was also addressed/copied to the vice-chancellor. His brief conversation and expressions made those present in the ward emotional.
On Monday morning, Dr Lahiri spoke to his sister’s family through a video call.
On Sept 3, the medical superintendent ordered a comprehensive examination of Lahiri by specialists from cardiology, general medicine, psychiatry, geriatrics, neurology, critical care, and tuberculosis and chest diseases. Based on the findings of the investigation by this team, SSL Hospital’s MS Dr Punit termed the allegations of assault or misconduct baseless.