Hyderabad: Police have booked neurosurgeon Dr S Jaipal Reddy, Chairman and MD of ABS Hospital, along with two hospital staff members, in connection with the deaths of two men who allegedly died after being injected with an anaesthetic drug. The case has highlighted serious lapses in securing controlled medications in a hospital operation theatre.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The victims, Syed Irfan (27) and Jhangir Khan (25), both autorickshaw drivers, were found dead in an autorickshaw in Chandrayangutta on December 3. Investigations revealed that they collapsed and died after taking Atranium 25 mg injections, which had been illegally procured and administered.
How the Drug Fell Into Wrong Hands
Police reports indicate that Dr Reddy and his assistant, Mohammed Vikaruddin, failed to properly secure leftover Atranium injections after a surgery. Ward boy Choude Akash allegedly stole the ampoules, sold them to a local supplier, and these drugs eventually reached the deceased.
Sequence of Events Leading to Deaths
On the night of December 2, the victims contacted friends to obtain injections they habitually used. Jahangir Khan purchased Atranium from a local supplier, and the injections were administered in an autorickshaw. While Saif Bin Akram survived after receiving a smaller dose, the remaining injections caused the deaths of Irfan and Jhangir.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following Saif Bin Akram’s statement, police tracked the chain of illegal procurement from ABS Hospital to local suppliers. Three persons involved in the acquisition, sale, and administration of the injections have been arrested. Police have booked the accused for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Hospital Negligence Highlighted
Investigations revealed that Dr Reddy had ordered 25 Atranium injections for surgery. After using only four, the remainder was left unsecured in the OT. Additionally, the hospital failed to generate proper bills for the injections, violating provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Roles of the Accused Staff
Mohammed Vikaruddin, the surgeon’s assistant, and ward boy Akash were implicated for failing to secure the injections and facilitating their theft. Akash reportedly sold the stolen ampoules to a local supplier, which set off the chain of illegal distribution.
Legal Action and Ongoing Probe
The Hyderabad Police have booked five individuals in total, including Dr Reddy and the hospital staff, under charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The investigation continues as authorities examine the roles of all parties involved and the hospital’s lapses in drug management.
