Doctors at a government hospital attacked a Samajwadi Party legislator in Kanpur after which clashes erupted between the doctors and the lawmaker's supporters, police said.

 

 The melee began late Friday after some problems faced by a patient were brought to legislator Irfan Solanki's notice. When Solanki directed the doctors to act, they first attacked his gunner and then beat him up. Solanki suffered head injuries and was whisked away by his staff. Soon, his supporters blocked the road outside the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital.

 

 Police cane charged the doctors, many cars were damaged and several rounds were fired from hostel roof tops, police said. A battery of mediapersons were also cane charged. More than a dozen journalists sustained injuries and 30 doctors were later arrested even as tension continued till late night.

 

 District Magistrate Roshan Jacob said a probe by a sub-divisional magistrate has been ordered. The district police chief later apologized to the angry scribes.