In a show of professionalism, JJ Hospital staffers have put their duty of treating petrol robber Popat Shinde (45), accused of burning Manmad additional collector Yashwant Sonawane alive, above their anger at the incident.

So, even as doctors, nurses and ward boys staged an angry protest against the incident in the hospital yesterday, they ensured that Shinde, who is critical after having suffered 80 per cent burns, received the right medical treatment.

Dr Sachin Mulkutkar, general secretary, Maharashtra State Medical Teachers' Association, said, "We held a protest to express our anguish at the incident that took place in Malegaon.
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Many people told us that we should refrain from treating Shinde but, as doctors, we do not see him as an accused but as any other patient. We are living up to the Hippocratic oath."

Nearly 300 hospital staffers, including medicos, ward boys, and technicians had worn black badges as a mark of protest.

"There have been incidents in the past where our staff has been assaulted by aggrieved relatives but Sonawane's case has tested our patience and we want strict action against the offenders," said Laxman Mhamunkar, president, JJ Hospital Class-III Employees' Union.

Meanwhile, Dr Ashok Rathod, acting Dean, JJ hospital, said, "Shinde is on oxygen supply. His condition is critical and he is constantly being monitored by our doctors.
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Though all hospital doctors have supported the protest, we will never compromise on Shinde's treatment."