Ambulance drivers' rival groups clash at Nagpur's Mayo Hospital, windows of 10 ambulances smashed

Ambulances that race to save patients' lives at Mayo Hospital in Nagpur have now become a battleground for dominance. On Monday night, two groups of ambulance drivers clashed fiercely on the hospital premises, shaking the entire area.

The dispute began over a demand for Rs 3,000 in extortion money in return for being allowed to operate ambulances on the hospital premises. It soon turned into a violent brawl. The attackers, armed with baseball bats, hockey sticks and iron rods, smashed the windows of about 10 ambulances.

Tehsil police have registered a case against three accused on the basis of a complaint. Police have detained Sohail Feroz Khan. The search continues for Parvez Feroz Khan and Sonu alias Baba. Of the three, only one has been detained so far, and the other two have not yet been found.

The complainant, Sheikh Rehan Sheikh Noor, is 20 years old and lives in Yashodhara Nagar. He works as an ambulance driver. He had a dispute with Parvez Feroz Khan, Sonu alias Baba and Sohail Feroz Khan over operating ambulances on the hospital premises. The accused are alleged to have demanded Rs 3,000 in return for letting ambulances operate.

Other ambulance drivers present there opposed the demand. Tension between the two groups then rose on Monday afternoon. The accused are said to have attacked at night to take revenge for the quarrel and beating during the day.

The attackers, who arrived with baseball bats, hockey sticks and iron rods, targeted the ambulances parked on the hospital premises. The windows of 10 ambulances were smashed one after another. The sudden attack caused a stampede in the area. The attackers fled the spot. Patients' relatives who were there also hid in fear.

Tehsil police have registered a case of extortion, rioting and vandalism against the accused. The accused are said to be habitual offenders.

Mayo Hospital is in the centre of the city. Hundreds of patients come here every day, including patients from other states. The incident at such a crowded place has created an atmosphere of fear among patients.