Silchar, Assam: A controversy has erupted in Assam after an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient was stopped in Silchar to make way for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s convoy.
The incident took place on September 30 near Ramnagar ISBT, where police personnel managing traffic for the Chief Minister’s convoy halted the ambulance as the convoy passed through the area. Videos of the incident later surfaced online, drawing criticism over the treatment of an emergency vehicle.
The patient, identified as 42-year-old Rasuraj Chakraborty from Sribhumi district, was suffering from a liver-related ailment and had been brought to Silchar Medical College and Hospital after his condition became critical.
Chakraborty died at the hospital early on October 1 while undergoing treatment. His death led to renewed questions over whether the ambulance delay had any connection to his condition.
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However, there is currently no confirmed medical finding that the brief halt caused or contributed to his death. The principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital said Chakraborty was suffering from liver cirrhosis and described his condition as chronic. A member of the patient’s family also said that while the delay was frustrating, they did not blame the halt for his death.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also rejected any link between the convoy movement and the patient’s death.
Speaking on October 1, Sarma said the ambulance was stopped for no more than 30 seconds and that the patient was already suffering from a liver ailment. According to the Chief Minister, the short halt and the patient’s death were not related. He also said that he does not personally favour travelling in convoys and that ambulances and ordinary commuters should not be stopped for VIP movement.
This comes a day after Sarma had apologised to the patient and his family, calling the ambulance stoppage “unacceptable”. Four police personnel, including two sub-inspectors and two constables, were suspended following the incident, and an inquiry was ordered.
Following the controversy, the Assam Chief Minister’s Office issued fresh directions to district commissioners and senior police officials. The order said ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles must be given unhindered passage, even during VIP movement. It also stated that the Chief Minister’s convoy can be paused if required to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
The government has also ordered that the Chief Minister’s convoy be kept to the minimum number of vehicles required for security and essential operations.
The incident has now raised a larger question over VIP movement and emergency services: while the Chief Minister has denied any connection between the convoy and the patient’s death, should an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient ever have to wait for a VIP convoy to pass?
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