In a disturbing incident, a doctor at a government hospital in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly instructed a five-year-old boy to smoke a cigarette as a treatment for a cold. The strange moment was caught on camera and extensively shared on social media, sparking widespread outrage. Health authorities have responded by transferring the doctor, and ordering an enquiry into the incident.

According to the officials, the incident happened on March 28 when the boy’s parents brought him to the hospital to get his cough and cold symptoms treated.

In the video, Dr Chandra can be heard saying, “Andar kheecho yaar… hum bata rahe hai” (“Inhale the smoke, let me show you how”), while he guides the little boy to put the cigarette in his mouth. The boy’s parents, who had brought him to the hospital for treatment of a cold, were reportedly stunned by the doctor’s actions.

#Jalaun शराबी डॉक्टर की आपत्तिजनक करतूत

सिरफिरा डॉक्टर बच्चे को सिगरेट पिला कर रहा है जुकाम का ईलाज

डॉ की करतूत कैमरे में हुई कैद वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर #वायरल

सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य केन्द्र कुठौंद में तैनात है डॉक्टर सुरेश चंद्र@brajeshpathakup @CMOfficeUP @UPGovt @nhm_u pic.twitter.com/P4KjPVy3Yf

— PRIYA RANA (@priyarana3101) April 16, 2025

Local residents and social media users expressed shock and anger, with the video gaining traction across platforms. “What’s next—smog for sinus?” posted one user on X.

Doctor has been transferred

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narendra Dev Sharma confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that Dr Chandra has been transferred to the district headquarters pending a formal investigation.

“This kind of incident will not be tolerated in the district. We have issued strict instructions to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Sharma told reporters.

Upon learning of the incident through the viral video, Jalaun’s District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Pandey, directed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Narendra Dev Sharma to investigate. Dr Sharma has assigned the investigation to the Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO).

As the controversy grew through the viral video, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak took cognizance of the incident and issued strict orders to the CMO. He directed that an FIR be filed against Dr Chandra and that he be immediately removed from his post at the Kuthound Community Health Center.

Additionally, Pathak ordered a thorough investigation, with a report to be submitted to the state government within two days. Further action will be determined based on the findings of this probe.

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