Kolkata Doctor Denies Care to Muslim Patient Amid Rising Communal Tensions

A Kolkata gynecologist, Dr. C. K. Sarkar, sparked nationwide outrage after refusing treatment to a pregnant Muslim woman in her third trimester, citing retaliation for the recent militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. 

The incident occurred at Kasturi Das Memorial Super Speciality Hospital, where the woman had been under Dr. Sarkar’s care for seven months.

“After the Kashmir incident, I’m not going to see any Muslim patients,” the doctor allegedly declared. 

According to the patient’s relative, Advocate Mehfuza Khatun, Dr. Sarkar adopted a more aggressive tone,“Hindus should kill your husband, then you’ll understand how they felt. We should ban all Muslims.” 

Khatun shared on Facebook that her sister-in-law was left “terrified, not just for her own safety but for her unborn child,” adding, “Healthcare is a basic human right. It cannot be denied on the basis of faith.” 

Activist Mona Ambegaonkar condemned the act, labeling Dr. Sarkar a “dangerous criminal” and demanding accountability. The refusal, occurring days after 26 Hindu tourists were killed in Pahalgam, reflects a broader surge in Islamophobic rhetoric, all across India. Survivors reported gunmen verifying victims’ religious identities before attacking. 

The fallout from Pahalgam has intensified discrimination beyond healthcare. At Bidhan Chandra Agricultural University in West Bengal, a hateful poster read: “Dogs and Muslims not allowed. All eyes on Pahalgam. Terrorism means Islam.” The anonymous message, swiftly removed, exploited national grief to fuel division. 

Kashmiri students across India now face violent threats. In Uttarakhand, Hindu Raksha Dal leader Lalit Sharma issued an ultimatum, “Kashmiri Muslims, leave by 10 a.m., else you will face action you can’t imagine.” Videos show students pleading as mobs assault them. 

A Kashmiri girl in Chandigarh, harassed and assaulted by a cab driver, appealed for help, “We are being threatened… We cannot take cabs due to fear.” 

J&K Students Association reported students fleeing campuses or hiding in airports. “Landlords are asking them to vacate immediately, citing security concerns,” said Nasir Khuehami, the group’s convenor. 

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene, stressing, “Retaliating against innocent Kashmiris only deepens divisions.” 

Political leaders like Omar Abdullah emphasized coordination with state governments to protect students, while activists pushed for legal action against hate crimes. The J&K Students Association proposed nationwide advisories, grievance helplines, and inclusivity drives. 

With over 200 million Muslims, 14% of the population, India is home to the world’s third-largest Muslim community. 

Yet, under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, systemic discrimination, state-sanctioned violence, and a surge in hate crimes have left many questioning their place in a nation they call home.