Chaos Erupts: Ward Boy Rahul Sondhia's Desperate Protest Against Unpaid Salary
As dusk settled over the bustling Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa, the serene atmosphere shattered with screams and commotion. Ward boy Rahul Sondhia, employed through Agile Company, stormed into the hospital courtyard clutching a bottle of petrol. In a heart-wrenching display of frustration, he poured the flammable liquid over himself and bellowed, "Give me my salary, or I'll end my life right here!"
The scene terrified everyone present—relatives of patients, hospital staff, and fellow workers froze in horror as Sondhia prepared to ignite the petrol. Eyewitnesses described a five-minute whirlwind of chaos, with onlookers crowding the area and some frantically recording videos on their mobile phones. Sondhia's outburst stemmed from mounting mental stress over his unpaid October salary, despite all his colleagues receiving theirs on time.
"Rahul had repeatedly complained to the Agile Company management and hospital administration about the salary withholding, but no resolution was provided," sources close to the incident revealed. The ward boy's emotional breaking point highlighted the severe impact of financial distress on low-wage healthcare workers in Rewa.
Security Guards' Swift Action: Petrol Bottle Snatched, Immolation Attempt Foiled
In a split-second display of bravery, two alert security guards at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital leaped into action. They tackled Rahul Sondhia to the ground, wrestled the petrol bottle from his grasp, and restrained him before he could strike a match. Bystanders joined in, helping to subdue the situation and ensure no one was harmed.
The guards' heroic intervention not only saved Sondhia's life but also prevented a potential fire hazard that could have endangered dozens in the crowded hospital. "It was a miracle they reacted so fast," said one staff member who witnessed the self-immolation attempt. "The entire Rewa hospital community is grateful for their courage."
Salary Deposited Immediately: Company Manager Responds to High-Voltage Drama
The commotion at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa quickly drew the attention of higher authorities. In a swift resolution following the suicide bid, the Agile Company manager personally transferred Rahul Sondhia's pending salary directly into his bank account. This immediate action came as a relief to the ward boy, who was left shaken but unharmed after the ordeal.
The incident underscores the urgent need for better salary disbursement processes for contract workers in Madhya Pradesh hospitals, where delays can push employees to extreme measures like self-immolation protests.
Hospital Superintendent's Statement: "Technical Bank Glitch, Not Withholding – But Such Steps Are Unjustifiable"
Addressing the media on the Rewa hospital suicide attempt, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rahul Mishra clarified the situation. "No salaries were deliberately withheld; it appears to have been a technical issue with the bank transfer for Rahul's October pay," Dr. Mishra stated. "However, resorting to such a drastic step is absolutely wrong and avoidable. We are reviewing our payroll systems to prevent future delays."
Dr. Mishra emphasized the hospital's commitment to employee welfare and urged workers facing salary issues to seek official channels rather than endangering lives. The superintendent also commended the security team's role in the self-immolation prevention, calling it a testament to the hospital's safety protocols.
This disturbing event at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa serves as a stark reminder of the mental health toll of financial hardships among frontline healthcare staff. As investigations continue into the salary delay causes, authorities in Madhya Pradesh are expected to probe similar complaints from contract workers.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. For more news on Rewa incidents, salary delay protests, and hospital safety measures, follow our coverage.
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