In an unsettling turn of events, faith and superstition clashed at the heart of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, a sanctuary of modern medicine. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has launched an investigation after a video of an occultist performing a ritual on an ICU patient and claiming credit for the recovery went viral on social media. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with hospital officials and rationalists condemning the act as a dangerous propagation of superstition.
The video, shared on Instagram by the self-proclaimed occult practitioner Mukesh Bhuva, shows him entering the ICU, approaching an intubated patient, and performing a ritual. The caption claimed that his “miracle” cured the patient. Following the video’s circulation, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, the hospital’s medical superintendent, issued a statement debunking the occultist’s claims and reaffirming the efforts of medical professionals.
“The claims in the video are baseless and an attempt to spread superstition,” said Dr. Joshi. “It is due to the hard work of our doctors that patients recover, not due to any occult practices.” He added that a thorough probe has been initiated, including a review of CCTV footage, to determine how the individual gained access to the ICU.
Legal Action Initiated
The hospital administration has filed a complaint against Bhuva under the Gujarat Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2024. The accused, a resident of Nikol, allegedly entered the hospital by posing as a relative of the patient.
State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed the filing of a complaint at Shahibaug police station and called for strict measures to prevent such incidents.
Rationalists Call for Action
Rationalist Jayant Pandya, leader of the ‘Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha,’ criticized the occultist’s actions, stating that such rituals hinder proper medical treatment. “Immediate action should be taken against those responsible,” he said.
Pandya also urged hospitals to strengthen security to prevent unauthorized access to critical care areas.
Public Awareness Against Superstition
The incident has reignited discussions about promoting scientific temper and eradicating superstitions. The accused’s Instagram page features multiple videos of similar rituals performed on patients in hospitals, raising concerns about public gullibility and misinformation.
Hospital authorities and rationalists emphasized that medical science, not supernatural claims, is the foundation of patient recovery. Dr. Joshi appealed to the public to rely on professional medical care and avoid falling prey to unfounded claims.
The investigation continues, with hospital and police authorities working to ascertain the full details of the incident and prevent such occurrences in the future.
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