West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Senior BJP leader and practicing advocate at the Calcutta High Court, Koustav Bagchi, has been officially summoned by Baranagar police following allegations that he threatened and intimidated hospital staff during a medical emergency that ended in a patient’s death. The notice orders him to appear at Mohanpur police station at 11 a.m. Friday for questioning under sections related to criminal intimidation and public nuisance.

Footage circulating widely on social media depicts Bagchi in the hospital premises aggressively confronting the resident medical officer (RMO). In the clip, he is seen accusing the doctor of being responsible for the patient’s death and appears to instruct others to block exits so hospital personnel cannot leave. Additional commentary online describes Bagchi's behavior as threatening not only doctors but also paramedics and nurses, branding it “hooliganism and vandalism” within the facility .

The incident unfolded earlier this week at a private multi‑speciality hospital near Barakpur Wireless Mor intersection. Bagchi and accompanying relatives rushed the patient, a 57‑year‑old man suffering a cardiac arrest, into the hospital late in the evening. Shortly after admission, the patient died. Accounts from hospital staff claim Bagchi responded with a frantic display of aggression—shouting accusations, intimidating staff, and obstructing routine patient care.

Hospital management lodged a formal complaint, prompting Mohanpur police to register a case and serve Bagchi a summon notice. Details from the petition reportedly reference his aggressive conduct and warnings to staff that they would face repercussions if the deceased’s family was displeased.

Bagchi, a familiar figure in Kolkata politics and media, transitioned from Congress to the BJP in early 2024. He has since remained a vocal critic of the ruling TMC government. While this new controversy deepens his political profile, he told reporters that police notifications were routine, vowing to cooperate selectively. He claimed that the patient's family initially filed, then retracted, the complaint under external pressure, and hinted at possible legal counterclaims.

Progressive Health Association doctors from North 24 Parganas—uch as Dr Bivarton Saha and Dr Sumit Saha—have voiced grave concerns about the incident. They assert that Bagchi’s outburst endangered not only their safety but also compromised hospital protocol and standard of care.

The controversy raises important questions about political interference in medical scenarios and the protection of healthcare workers. That Bagchi holds both legal and political authority adds complexity to the situation, amplifying public interest.

Bagchi’s public image, fueled by courtroom appearances and media commentary, now confronts a serious test. His forthcoming response to the summons—and whether he attends the hearing—could determine whether the matter undergoes further legal escalation.

In West Bengal’s charged environment, this incident may impact both public perceptions of political conduct and debates around healthcare professionals' independence. For Bagchi, navigating the formal inquiry will be crucial for his reputation as a lawyer and a politician.

Baranagar police have summoned BJP advocate Koustav Bagchi following a complaint by hospital staff who allege he menaced them during a medical emergency and ordered exits blocked. The case highlights concerns about political aggression impacting medical standards, and Bagchi's response will likely shape both legal and public perception landscapes.