West Bengal: Doctor beaten up as newborn dies

A government doctor was severely beaten up on Sunday by angry locals at Manikchak in West Bengal's Malda district for referring a woman in labour to another hospital leading to the death of the new born.

Police said the condition of the doctor Joydeep Majumdar, Block Medical Officer, Health, Manikchak rural hospital is critical.

24-year-old woman had gone into labour and was rushed to Manikchak rural hospital from where she was referred by Majumdar to Malda Medical College and Hospital, they said.

On her way to the hospital, she gave birth to a girl child in the ambulance and the newborn died immediately, they added.

Police said her angry family members returned to Manikchak and told people about the incident. Angry locals then attacked the doctor with rods and sticks severely injuring him.

Majumdar was later admitted to the rural hospital with grievous injuries, they said.

Police have detained four people so far in connection with the incident.