KEM’s forensic head seeks police cover after stampede

The head of forensic department at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Dr Harish Pathak has submitted a written letter to a Mumbai Police Commissioner requesting of providing him protection against such disgruntled elements.

On September 30, a day after the Elphinstone Road station stampede, the doctor was attacked in the hospital mortuary over his decision to write numbers on the deceaseds’ foreheads for quick identification.

On Monday, an article published by Saamna claiming that Shiv Sainiks had come to KEM hospital for donating blood, but allegation made by Dr. Pathak been attacked of Shiv Sainiks were false. “I explained to them about the incident,” Supe said.

“The newspaper article said Shiv Sena members are disgruntled with me and the police for registering a case against those who came to attack me. I wanted to request the CP to ensure a second attack does not come my way,” said Dr. Pathak.

While speaking to Free Press Journal, Dr Pathak said: “After that incident he is more scared of getting attacked again for which he has requested for police security. Moreover, numbering the bodies on forehead was not his decision.”

Shiv Sainiks from Pune, Shirdi, and Virar had travelled to Mumbai to write ‘zero’ on Pathak’s forehead. The victims had numbers written on their foreheads, pictures of which were printed on flex and displayed at the hospital for family members to identify.