A tussle over Rs. 37 for dressing of a fractured finger led to the arrest of a medical practitioner and his attendant in Perungudi on Friday afternoon.
According to the Thoraipakkam police, Shantini (29) of Perungudi had gone to C.M. Hospital on Rajiv Gandhi Salai, on Thursday, to get her son Aparajith’s (8) broken finger dressed.
The boy had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for a month. As he was in severe pain, Shantini took him to the clinic again, around 2 p.m. on Friday, for a fresh dressing.
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“When the attendant Vijaya (48) asked for dressing fee of Rs. 37, Shantini refused to pay and said her son was in pain as Vijaya had not dressed the wound properly on Thursday. Soon, orthopaedician Mullaivendan (45), who treated the boy, got involved in the argument and threatened to hold the boy hostage if the money was not paid,” said an investigating officer.
Dr. Mullaivendan and Vijaya allegedly assaulted Shantini, who ran out and sought help from traffic police constable, Vadivelu (33), who was on duty on Rajiv Gandhi Salai.
When the policeman questioned the doctor, he and his attendant assaulted Vadivelu as well.
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Vadivelu called for backup and a police team from Thoraipakkam reached the spot and arrested Mullaivendan and Vijaya, the police said.