A doctor and a staffer of Malu COVID Hospital in Tamakoshi Rural Municipality in Dolakha district were manhandled last night.

Some local youths entered the hospital and manhandled Dr Robish Karki and office assistant Top Bahadur Mijar, said ward 4 Chairperson of Tamakoshi Rural Municipality Hom Bahadur Shrestha.

According to Chairperson of Tamakoshi Rural Municipality Ishwor Chandra Pokharel, the youth manhandled Dr Karki and office assistant Mijar by giving undue pressure to carry out treatment of other patients in addition to COVID-19 patients.

Dr Karki said four youths had entered the hospital after jumping from the locked gate of the hospital despite repeated requests not to enter inside the hospital as COVID-19 patients were receiving treatment there.

Dr Karki added, "We even told them to carry out their treatment separately if they had any health problems, but the locals started manhandling us all of a sudden."

Police have arrested Gopal Timilsina, Roshan Pokharel and Biju Nepali on the charge of misbehaving with the doctor and hospital staff.

Investigation into the case is under way and action will be taken against them, said Police Chief of Dolakha Bhesh Raj Rijal.