FIR lodged against Darbhanga doctor after visuals of alcohol at party in Bihar go viral

Digital Desk: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Dr Md Saleem Ahmed, the organizing secretary of Bihar Pedicon, following the circulation of viral visuals depicting doctors consuming alcohol in the dry state of Bihar. 

The incident occurred during the ongoing Pedicon 2023 event at Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) between December 14 and December 17.

The controversy unfolded when Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) chief Pappu Yadav shared images on social media, revealing what seemed to be a party hosted at DMCH. Yadav accused the hospital of serving as a hub for "sharab, shabab, and Kabab" (women, wine, and dine) and claimed to have witnessed such activities during his treatment at the facility while in jail.

Highlighting the alleged double standards in Bihar's liquor prohibition laws, Yadav questioned whether there is a separate law for DMCH's principal and doctors. He called for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's intervention, urging him to address the issue promptly.

The viral visuals depicted a gathering at the guest house of DMCH, with principal Dr KN Mishra among those present. Pappu Yadav expressed concern over the administration's apparent inaction, emphasizing that if it were someone less influential, they would have already been in jail.

In response to the controversy, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Amit Kumar confirmed the authenticity of the viral visuals. Raids conducted at DMCH led to the discovery of three bottles of foreign-made liquor, resulting in the registration of a case against Pedicon organizers.

Pappu Yadav continued to demand accountability, insisting that all doctors involved in Pedicon should be examined, and those displaying signs of alcohol consumption should be sent to jail. He called for the unconditional release of individuals previously incarcerated due to prohibition laws if action is not taken against the implicated medical professionals.

As the legal process unfolds, the controversy surrounding the Darbhanga liquor party incident raises questions about the enforcement of liquor prohibition laws and the accountability of influential individuals in the state's medical community.