Hazaribag: A pregnant woman died under mysterious circumstances at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH) on Saturday night, triggering anger among locals. The woman, identified as Babli Kumari, reportedly lost her life along with her unborn child, with her family alleging gross medical negligence.
Family Alleges Fall From OT Bed
According to the victim’s relatives, Babli was admitted to SBMCH after she went into labour. She was taken to the operating theatre for delivery, where the family claims she fell from the bed, sustaining severe injuries. They immediately shifted her to a private hospital, but doctors there declared both mother and child dead on arrival.
Protests Break Out at Hospital
The death sparked outrage, with locals and family members gathering at the hospital to protest. They accused doctors and hospital staff of negligence and demanded strict action. The incident quickly gained public attention and heightened tensions in the area.
Family Allegedly Influenced to Demand Compensation
As per PTI reports, the family later brought Babli’s body back to SBMCH and demanded compensation. They allegedly did so at the suggestion of an auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) known to them, adding further controversy to the unfolding events.
Authorities Dispute Family’s Claims
Hospital officials, however, have challenged the family’s version. Civil Surgeon Dr Ashok Kumar admitted that the patient had fallen from the bed but criticised the family’s decision to shift her to a private hospital without medical advice. He stated that the woman “could have survived” had she not been taken away prematurely.
Superintendent Denies Bed-Fall Incident
Hospital Superintendent Dr Anukaran Purti offered a contradictory account, denying that Babli had fallen off the bed at all. He said the woman’s relatives left the hospital with her and only returned later with her body, accusing staff of negligence. Dr Purti added that a formal inquiry has been launched to determine the truth.
Probe Ordered Amid Conflicting Narratives
Despite conflicting claims from both sides, hospital authorities have ordered a probe to establish the sequence of events. The investigation aims to determine whether negligence occurred and who may be responsible for the tragic outcome.
Last Rites Performed Without Post-Mortem
The situation intensified further when the woman’s family removed the body from the hospital and performed her last rites at Khirgaon Muktidham. By doing so, they bypassed a mandatory post-mortem, which could have provided crucial evidence in the case. The missing autopsy may complicate the ongoing investigation.
