District Authorities Launch Probe; Grieving Family Demands Justice After Losing Second Daughter in Six Months
Mandya: A seven-year-old girl from Nellore village in Malavalli taluk tragically passed away just days after undergoing leg surgery at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS). The cause of death was reported as severe infection leading to septicaemia and multiple organ failure. Her distraught parents have alleged medical negligence, claiming that the wrong medicine was administered during her treatment.
The girl sustained a leg injury on May 26 after a tile fell on her foot while she was playing. Initially treated at a private hospital in Malavalli, she was later admitted to MIMS on May 29 as her condition worsened. An X-ray confirmed a fracture, and she was operated on the same day. However, soon after the surgery, she developed vomiting and diarrhea, followed by a rapid decline in health. Despite intensive care, she succumbed on the night of May 31.
Public Outrage and Protest at MIMS
Her sudden death triggered a wave of grief and anger in the village. Heartbroken and furious, her parents—who had lost another newborn daughter at the same hospital just six months ago—staged a protest with local villagers outside MIMS Hospital on Sunday, demanding accountability and action against the doctors involved.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi and MIMS Director Dr. Narasimha Swamy rushed to the scene to pacify the crowd. Protesters alleged that negligence by the hospital staff led to the girl’s untimely death. Authorities assured an impartial investigation and strict action if any lapses were confirmed.
Government Orders Probe, Forms Expert Panel
In response to the incident, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar has constituted a five-member expert committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. The committee is led by Dr. Pradeep, Head of Paediatrics at Mysore Medical College, and includes senior specialists in orthopaedics, surgery, anaesthesia, and public health. The team has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within 15 days.
The girl’s body has been shifted to KR Hospital for post-mortem, which will be a key factor in the investigation.
Political Leaders Demand Accountability
MLA Ganiga Ravikumar held a review meeting at MIMS Hospital, stating that conflicting accounts had emerged from the hospital and the family. “We must determine the real cause—whether it was a health complication or medical negligence. An impartial inquiry is the only way forward,” he said.
As the medical community, administration, and public await the inquiry report, the incident has sparked renewed concern over hospital accountability and the need for stringent checks in government healthcare facilities.
