Holi celebrations at Dr Laxmi Narayan Pandey Medical College turn violent
Overview of the incident
A Holi gathering at Dr Laxmi Narayan Pandey Medical College in Ratlam escalated into a violent confrontation on campus when a postgraduate doctor is accused of attempting to run over several students with his car. The clash occurred at about 4:00 PM while third-year physiology postgraduate students were playing Holi on the college grounds. Multiple accounts describe a rapid sequence of events that left several students injured and prompted college authorities to notify the police.
Timeline and sequence of events
According to student accounts reported to medichelpline, the situation began when the accused — described by some witnesses as coming from Jaipur and accompanied by friends in a car — drove up to the area where students were celebrating. The students asked the vehicle to take a different route, which reportedly triggered a verbal argument between the group of students and the occupants of the vehicle.
Witnesses say the dispute intensified when the doctor allegedly got into his car and began moving forward toward the group. Students attempted to physically block the vehicle as it moved, and the accused is alleged to have accelerated, trying to run over five to seven students. After the vehicle allegedly moved away, it is reported to have turned around and returned toward the assembly. As the car approached again and failed to stop despite repeated attempts by students to halt it, some members of the group began throwing stones at the vehicle.
Following these actions, the driver is said to have fled the scene. A number of postgraduate students then pursued the car, which precipitated a second altercation between the driver and occupants of the vehicle and the students who chased them. Multiple people were hurt in the ensuing scuffle.
Injuries reported and medical attention
A doctor present at the scene reported that three students sustained injuries in the clashes. One student is alleged to have suffered a fractured hand, while the others received minor scratches. The same report indicates that several students more broadly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The accused doctor provided a different account, saying he was waiting in his car outside the emergency department for a colleague after having gone to the college to take part in Holi celebrations. He further stated that another vehicle approached from behind and that two other doctors attacked him, striking him on the head with tools taken from his car. He said he lost consciousness and later required four to five stitches to a head injury.
Both sets of statements indicate that people required medical attention following the incident. The divergent narratives underscore the need for a careful, impartial examination of injuries and forensic evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Allegations about prior conduct
Those who described the incident also asserted that a similar dispute took place during Holi celebrations the previous year and that the accused had previously faced suspension on disciplinary grounds. These claims, if verified, may be relevant to any internal disciplinary proceedings or an administrative review by the college. At present, the allegations about past suspension and prior incidents remain part of the contested accounts surrounding the event.
Official response and next steps
College Superintendent Dr Pradeep Mishra acknowledged the altercation, stating: “A fight occurred on campus. Police have been informed. Police will take action.” With law enforcement notified, a formal police inquiry is expected to determine facts such as vehicle movement, the number and nature of injuries, statements from eyewitnesses, and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
Given the conflicting versions provided by students and the accused doctor, the investigation will need to rely on medical records, witness testimony, any available video footage, and forensic examination of injuries and the vehicle. The college administration will also be positioned to undertake its own disciplinary review, particularly in light of claims about prior incidents and suspension.
Campus safety and institutional responsibilities
This incident raises immediate concerns about safety during campus events and the mechanisms in place to prevent and de-escalate conflicts. Institutions that host large student gatherings, including cultural and festival celebrations, bear responsibility for creating secure environments and clear guidelines for conduct. Prompt, transparent investigations and appropriate follow-up actions are important both for ensuring justice in this case and for restoring confidence among students, staff, and the wider community.
Current status and what to expect
As of the latest statements from college authorities, police have been informed and are expected to investigate. Both student witnesses and the accused doctor have provided contrasting accounts, and several individuals have been treated for injuries. Further developments will depend on the findings of the police probe and any subsequent administrative inquiries by the college. In the meantime, college officials and law enforcement are the primary sources of updates as they gather evidence and determine appropriate legal or disciplinary steps.