The chief minister of Punjab has ordered a probe into an incident in which a Christian man was allegedly beaten to death by medical staff and security guards at a government hospital in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
According to Morning Star News, the altercation occurred at the Government Services Institute of Medical Sciences on March 26 when brothers Anil and Sunil Saleem brought their pregnant sister, Kiran Kashif, to the emergency labor ward because she was suffering labor pains.
The doctor on duty, identified only as Dr. Saira, had told the pregnant woman to wait until she finished drinking her tea, claims Anil Saleem.
Kashif waited for some time, but the severe pains she was experiencing prompted her to go inside the ward again to ask for immediate treatment. The doctor was reportedly infuriated by her actions and started cursing at her.
"When my sister protested against the rude behavior, the doctor started slapping her, throwing her on the floor. She asked my sister how dare a Chuhri [a derogatory term for Christians] question her order?" Anil told Morning Star News.
When the family tried to help Kashif, the doctor reportedly ordered the guards to lock the ward's doors from the inside and "teach the Christians a lesson."
Anil said "around 15 to 20 paramedical staff and security guards and eight to 10 young doctors" proceeded to attack them "with iron rods, chairs, leather belts and other things."
Witnesses claimed to reporters that Sunil Saleem was dragged into a room where he was tortured by the doctors and security guards. He died as a result of his injuries.
According to Pakistani news site Dawn, murder charges have been filed against 10 doctors, 12 ward boys and 15 security guards.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Amiruddin claimed that the doctors were "innocent" and alleged that the family had attacked the doctors and staff, causing serious injury to a security guard. The hospital has formed a committee to conduct an investigation into the matter, he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a probe into the incident after offering his condolences to the victim's family.
Over 300 people gathered outside the Lahore Press Club on Saturday to protest Sunil Saleem's killing.
Aid organization Christian True Spirit has offered to provide the family with free legal aid and financial support.
