Late nights outside hospitals are usually marked by quiet vigilance — ambulances rushing in, doctors on call and patients waiting for care. But last week in Bhopal, the scene outside AIIMS took a disturbing turn when a group of resident doctors, supposedly among the brightest in the medical field, were caught by police drinking and creating a ruckus near the institute’s gate. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, has since triggered widespread outrage and embarrassment for one of India’s top medical institutions.
According to police accounts, the doctors were found intoxicated and causing disturbance in the early hours of the night. When officers approached their parked car, they discovered beer bottles, chips and snacks scattered inside, with two individuals appearing unconscious. The police began questioning the group, asking where they lived and what they were doing outside so late. One of the men identified himself as a resident doctor from AIIMS, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
In one of the videos that surfaced, an officer can be heard questioning the group’s behaviour, asking what message they were trying to send by openly drinking in public. The men responded vaguely, claiming they weren’t trying to prove anything. However, things escalated when one of the doctors began arguing with the officer, using abusive language and claiming to know senior police officials in the city. Despite attempts by his friend to calm him down, the doctor continued shouting and confronting the police, even as additional officers arrived to prevent them from fleeing the scene.
Here is the video clip of the incident:
https://x.com/journoshelly/status/1983645535031665139
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The videos spread rapidly across social media, drawing intense criticism from the public. Many users condemned the doctors’ actions, expressing disappointment that those trained to save lives and set examples for society were instead behaving recklessly. Comments online described the incident as “shameful” and “disrespectful”, with some pointing out the irony of doctors who understand the harmful effects of alcohol, being caught drunk in public.
The controversy quickly reached AIIMS Bhopal, where the administration took immediate notice. In a statement, the institute said it viewed the incident very seriously and that the behaviour displayed was not in line with the values and professionalism expected from its doctors. Following an internal inquiry, one junior resident doctor was dismissed from service, while action against another involved doctor is still underway.
What began as a night of irresponsible behaviour has now turned into a major lesson in accountability. For an institution built on trust, discipline and public service, the incident serves as a stark reminder that respect for the profession extends far beyond the walls of the hospital.
