A shocking incident in Punjab’s Mohali has led to the tragic death of Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar, a 39-year-old scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar succumbed to his injuries after being assaulted by his neighbor, Maninder Pal Singh Monty, during a dispute over parking. The accused has been arrested. The incident took place near Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar’s rented accommodation in Sector 67, was captured on CCTV. The footage shows Monty physically attacking Dr. Abhishek including pushing him to the ground and punching him. The scientist, who was recovering from a kidney transplant and undergoing dialysis, could not withstand the assault and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar’s family has accused Monty and his relatives of persistent harassment over parking disputes. His mother, Malti Devi, revealed that Monty and his family had frequently troubled them over trivial issues. On the night of the incident, Dr. Abhishek had parked his bike near their residence, which led to an argument. The dispute escalated when Monty threatened to destroy the bike, prompting Swarnkar to go downstairs to confront him. When he warned Monty that he would file a complaint about the repeated harassment, Monty reportedly became aggressive, pushing Dr. Abhishek with force.
Mohali Police have registered a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, charging Monty with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Swarnkar, originally from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, had recently returned to India from Switzerland, where he had worked as a scientist. He was a highly regarded researcher in his field and had contributed significantly to scientific advancements. The IISER community has expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a brilliant mind whose work was recognized internationally.
This tragic event raises an important concern, why are our esteemed scientists, who contribute immensely to the progress of the nation, not provided with adequate security? The government must take proactive steps to ensure that individuals like Dr. Abhishek Swarnkar, who dedicate their lives to scientific research, are given a safe and secure environment to live and work in. Ensuring the protection of intellectuals and researchers is essential for fostering a culture of innovation and national development.
