Padma Shri awardee and veteran cardiothoracic surgeon Dr TK Lahiri was allegedly assaulted and abused by an associate professor inside the ICU of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Hospital in Varanasi, according to reports. The incident reportedly left the 85-year-old doctor with injuries, including an injury to one of his eyes.
Associate Professor Accused Of Assault
The accused has been identified as Dr Arvind Pandey, an associate professor in the Cardiothoracic Department at BHU. Reports allege that Pandey slapped and assaulted Dr Lahiri inside the ICU. Photographs and videos showing injuries to Dr Lahiri’s face and redness in one of his eyes were shared online and subsequently went viral, drawing attention to the alleged incident.
वाराणसी : BHU के ICU में पद्मश्री डॉ. टीके लहरी से एसोसिएट प्रोफेसर अरविंद पांडे ने कथित तौर पर बदसलूकी की और थप्पड़ मारे। मारपीट की वजह अभी तक पता नहीं चल पाई है।
“डॉ. गॉड” के नाम से मशहूर डॉ. लहरी 2003 में IMS BHU से रिटायर हुए थे, लेकिन उन्होंने मरीजों को मुफ्त में देखना जारी… pic.twitter.com/liLobrzzLY
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) September 6, 2026
Family Approaches BHU Authorities
After the incident came to light, Dr Lahiri’s family reportedly lodged a complaint through email with the BHU Vice Chancellor, the Director of IMS-BHU and the Medical Superintendent. The BHU administration took cognisance of the matter and formed a medical board to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and Dr Lahiri’s condition. The IMS Director and Medical Superintendent also visited the ICU to inquire about the veteran professor’s health.
Dr TK Lahiri’s Long Association With BHU
Dr Lahiri has had a long-standing association with BHU. Born on January 3, 1941, in Kolkata, he retired from IMS-BHU in 2003. However, even after retirement, he continued treating patients and was known for walking from his home to the OPD at the Superspeciality Block.
Padma Shri Award For Service
Recognising his dedication to patients and medical service, Dr Lahiri was awarded the Padma Shri in 2006. He is also known for his simple lifestyle and commitment to public service. Reports say he donates a significant portion of his pension to institutions and does not accept financial assistance from others. The circumstances surrounding the alleged assault are being examined by the BHU administration.
Also Read: Ketan Agarwal Murder: Third Arrest As Chetan Chaudhary’s Friend Ritesh Hange Held For Role In Murder Conspiracy
Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.