Rewa Kalpana Mishra Death: Congress Demands FIR

Congress workers protesting the death of Kalpana Mishra and her newborn child at Rewa’s Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital on Sunday reached the residence of Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and demanded registration of an FIR against those they hold responsible for the deaths.

The demonstration escalated briefly when some protesters entered the premises of Shukla’s residence. Police intervened and removed the workers from the bungalow, leading to a heated exchange between the protesters and police.

The Congress workers were seeking criminal action over alleged medical negligence in the treatment of Kalpana Mishra. The family has maintained that departmental suspensions and administrative action are not enough and has been demanding an FIR and an impartial investigation.

Protesters demand criminal case

The protesters alleged that the treatment and healthcare arrangements at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital require scrutiny and demanded that those found responsible for lapses in Kalpana’s treatment be booked.

The demonstration comes amid continuing protests by Kalpana’s family. Her father, Ramshiromani Mishra, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Sirmour Chauraha in Rewa, with Sunday marking the fifth day of his protest, according to reports.

The family’s demand for criminal action is separate from the ongoing administrative investigation, which is yet to establish whether negligence or any other wrongdoing occurred.

Kalpana and newborn died after delivery

Kalpana Mishra, 25, from Hatwa village in the Baikunthpur area of Rewa, was admitted to the government hospital for delivery in August. She underwent a Caesarean section on August 26, after which both she and her newborn died.

A video that surfaced before her death showed a woman identified as Kalpana leaving the ward and seeking help. The footage has become a major point of concern for her family and protesters. However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether the treatment amounted to medical negligence remain subject to investigation. 

Doctors, nurses already suspended

Authorities have already taken departmental action in the case. Two doctors and two nursing officers involved in the treatment were suspended following the deaths, and a committee was constituted to examine the matter.

The state government subsequently removed Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital superintendent Dr Rahul Mishra from the post and assigned the responsibility to Dr Priyank Sharma. The superintendent’s removal came amid controversy surrounding his conduct with the deceased woman’s family, which had triggered criticism. 

The government has maintained that responsibility will be fixed if the investigation establishes negligence or other wrongdoing.

Magisterial inquiry ordered

A major development in the case came on September 4, when a magisterial inquiry was ordered into the deaths.

According to reports, Rewa district authorities assigned the inquiry to Sirmour SDM Drishti Jaiswal, with instructions to submit a factual report within 30 days. The inquiry is examining the sequence from the patient’s admission and treatment through delivery and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. 

The investigation is expected to examine whether prescribed medical protocols were followed and what role was played by the doctors, nursing staff and hospital administration.

Deputy CM had met the family

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also holds the health portfolio, had met members of Kalpana’s family amid the protests and assured them of an impartial inquiry.

The family, however, has continued to press for criminal proceedings, arguing that suspension and administrative action alone cannot deliver justice.

The Congress has also criticised the state government over the matter and questioned the functioning of the government hospital.

CBI probe demand raised in Bhopal

The controversy has also moved beyond Rewa. A group identifying itself as the Vindhya Nagarik Adhikar Manch held a symbolic protest at the Gandhi statue in Bhopal on Sunday and demanded a CBI investigation into the deaths.

With the magisterial inquiry now underway, the immediate focus is on establishing what happened during Kalpana’s treatment, whether any protocol was breached and whether responsibility can be fixed on specific individuals.

For now, the FIR sought by Congress workers and the family remains a demand. The official inquiry will determine whether the allegations of medical negligence are substantiated and what further action may follow.