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Kokrajhar, Dec. 14: Police today arrested three persons from different locations in connection with the extortion demand made to doctors of Rupnath Brahma Civil hospital in Kokrajhar.
The 30 doctors of the hospital had abstained from duty after receiving extortion calls on Friday evening and Saturday, leaving the patients in a lurch.
Outgoing Kokrajhar superintendent of police P.K. Dutta said three persons had been arrested from different locations today.
The arrested persons were identified as Bhabaranjan Basumatary, Sanjit Basumatary and Kanak Basumatary, all from Gurubhasa in Chirang district.
Dutta said the goons were using mobile number 9706193031 to call and threaten the doctors. The number was registered in the name of Dhandaram Mushahary, who was picked up by the police. Mushahary is an employee of a petrol pump.
He said the goons demanded money from him and also took away his mobile phone on November 14.
Dutta said the goons had been using the same SIM card for different mobile handsets, but from the same tower location.
“The mobile IMEI number has matched with their mobile phones and it is technically proved that the trio were behind the extortion demands to the doctor,” the SP said.
On the other hand, seven doctors reported for duty to the hospital today.
“Till now, seven doctors have reported to the hospital. I hope more will follow in a day or two,” said Dr A.K. Brahma, medical superintendent of the hospital.
Brahma said normality could be restored only if the doctors returned. “Hence, I request the doctors to return to their duties.” He said a request had been sent to the additional director, health services, V.P. Simson, to continue with the specialist team from Guwahati for a while. “The situation is back to normal again and I urge people to admit patients here and avail the services,” Brahma said.
The district administration has provided security both at the hospital and the doctors’ quarters since the incident.
The civil society and several organisations, including the All Bodo Students’ Union, along with both factions of the NDFB, have also assured all possible security to the doctors and urged them to come back and join their duties for the welfare of the poor and society.
Doctors, however, are still to overcome the fear. “Fear psychosis is still there among the doctors. We want full assurance from the organisations which have threatened the doctors,” said a doctor.
Sit-in
Doctors and medical staff of Dotma public health centre in Kokrajhar held a sit-in at the health centre. Dr B. Barman, medical officer, said the demonstration was organised against the extortion faced by the doctors in Kokrajhar civil hospital.
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