Doctor hands condom to beggar with baby on Diwali. Severe backlash follows: 'Extremely offensive'

Social media users continued to question the appropriateness of the doctor’s actions.

A doctor recently sparked widespread controversy and condemnation following the release of a video that many found offensive and insensitive. Posted on October 31 by a user known as Duryodhan on X (formerly Twitter), the clip showed the doctor approaching a woman seated on a sidewalk with a young child beside her. Instead of offering food or financial assistance, he handed the woman a condom, a gesture that rapidly gained attention online before the video was deleted.

The incident unfolded during Diwali, with the caption, “Best way to help roadside beggars,” sparking a storm of online debate. In the footage, the toddler next to the woman appeared to reach for the item handed over, an action that contributed to the mounting criticism.

The doctor’s caption seemed to suggest that his gesture was intended as a statement on family planning, particularly regarding the importance of not having children without the financial means to support them. However, many users quickly voiced outrage, viewing the doctor’s approach as lacking empathy and tact.

Commentary from users highlighted the frustration and disapproval that the video had incited. One user commented, “This is extremely inappropriate and offensive. You made content out of her suffering. You used it without consent. As a doctor or responsible citizen, do you think it’s okay to shame her for fun?” Another viewer wrote, “It’s truly shameful. There is a thin line between empathy and awareness, grow up and get a life. I hope your parents haven’t seen this yet.”

This is extremely inappropriate and offensive. You made a content out of her suffering. You used it without CONSENT . As a doctor or responsible citizen , Do you think it's okay to shame her for fun ? It's shameful enough for anyone , but it's rather disappointing from a doctor
Koushik Chatterjee (@Koushik92118686) October 31, 2024

Social media users continued to question the appropriateness of the doctor’s actions, suggesting that his gesture crossed boundaries of basic decency. “If lack of empathy had a video, then this would be it,” said another user. “Your intentions were correct, but the way you executed only shows your lack of empathy.”

One person noted that the video failed to serve its supposed purpose of promoting contraceptive awareness. They observed, “Best way to help and uplift the roadside beggars is the caption of the video. That certainly doesn’t seem like a way to raise awareness about contraception.”

Another viewer, disturbed by the footage, commented, “I don’t know how to be polite and talk about this disturbing video I came across. I didn’t want to say anything, but my conscience didn’t allow me to ignore triggering content. I don’t expect this from someone who is a doctor and has no idea about how wrong this is.”

Meanwhile, a user came out in support of the doctor and wrote, "There is nothing wrong with the doc, no need to get emotional. This is beggar mafia with children they can earn more, each earn Rs 1-1.5k per day, the more they produce, they have more earnings. Don't entertain."