A tragic incident at the District Hospital in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh, has sparked controversy after a pregnant woman and her unborn child died shortly before a scheduled delivery procedure. The incident led to protests by family members and local residents, who accused hospital staff of medical negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The deceased, identified as 19-year-old Pooja Manikpuri from Ramnagar village, was admitted to the Maternal and Child Health Wing of the district hospital on Tuesday morning after experiencing labor pain. According to hospital sources, doctors had planned a surgical delivery considering her medical condition. However, before the procedure could take place, both the mother and the unborn child died.

The incident triggered emotional scenes at the hospital, with grieving relatives gathering outside the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) office and demanding an impartial investigation.

Family Alleges Wrong Injection

According to the woman's husband, Suraj Manikpuri, his wife’s condition deteriorated shortly after she was administered an injection at the hospital. He alleged that the medication was given without adequately informing the family and claimed that her health worsened immediately afterward.

Family members have accused the hospital of negligence and submitted a formal complaint seeking action against those involved. They have also called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances leading to the deaths.

Relatives said the woman had been admitted around 9 a.m. and was being prepared for delivery when the incident occurred. By afternoon, doctors had declared both the mother and child dead.

Doctors Cite Medical Complications

Hospital officials have denied allegations of negligence and stated that the patient was already facing health complications. According to the attending doctor, the woman had a history of blood pressure-related issues, which were affecting blood supply to the fetus.

Doctors said preparations were underway for a surgical procedure when a prescribed injection was administered as part of the treatment protocol. Shortly afterward, the patient reportedly developed severe vomiting.

Medical staff claim that the vomit entered her airway, causing respiratory complications that ultimately led to her death. Hospital authorities stated that such reactions can occur in certain cases, though determining the exact cause of death will require medical examination and expert review.

Investigation Teams Formed

Following the protests, health authorities moved quickly to initiate an inquiry. The Chief Medical and Health Officer has constituted separate committees to investigate the incident and oversee the post-mortem examination.

Officials confirmed that a panel of medical experts will conduct the post-mortem procedure to establish the precise cause of death. The findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether any lapse occurred during treatment.

Authorities emphasized that conclusions would be drawn only after receiving the post-mortem report and the findings of the inquiry committee.

Questions Over Maternal Healthcare

The incident has once again raised concerns about maternal healthcare services and emergency medical response in public hospitals. Cases involving maternal deaths often draw significant public attention and underline the importance of strict medical protocols and patient safety measures.

Health officials have assured the family that the investigation will be conducted fairly and that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is established.

Surajpur kidnapping case: Ex-driver planned abduction for ransom

In the Surajpur kidnapping case, police say a former driver orchestrated the abduction of a 62-year-old woman, demanding ₹22 lakh ransom before arrest

A 62-year-old woman who was abducted from her home in Surajpur has been rescued safely, with police revealing that the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping was the victim’s former driver. The accused, along with two associates, is said to have plotted the crime to extort ₹22 lakh, reportedly motivated by knowledge of the family’s retirement savings.

The incident, which unfolded late last month, has drawn attention due to the level of planning involved and the familiarity the accused had with the victim’s household.

Incident unfolds at home

According to police, the abduction took place on April 29 in Sarnapara village under the Surajpur Kotwali police station limits. The victim, identified as Lalita Kujur, was alone at home when the incident occurred.

Her husband, who had travelled to Ambikapur for vehicle repairs with a driver, returned in the afternoon to find the house ransacked. There were signs of a struggle, and blood stains were visible at a few spots, officials said.

Shortly after, a call was received from the woman’s phone. An unidentified caller demanded ₹22 lakh for her safe release. The phone was switched off soon after.

Police launch search

Senior officers treated the case as urgent. According to officials, three teams were formed to track down the abductors and locate the victim. Search operations were carried out across nearby areas, and initial leads were examined.

During the course of investigation, suspicion fell on a former driver who had earlier worked for the family. Police detained the suspect, identified as Roshan Devangan, for questioning.

“During interrogation, he admitted involvement in the crime,” a police officer said, adding that further details emerged soon after.

Familiarity led to crime

Investigators said the accused had worked with the family for nearly 18 months and was aware that the victim’s husband had retired from South Eastern Coalfields Limited and received a substantial settlement.

“According to officials, the accused planned the kidnapping after learning about the retirement funds,” a senior officer said.

He allegedly roped in two accomplices, including one identified as Sheikh Ishu. The group then visited the victim’s house under the pretext of asking for water. Once inside, they overpowered her, tied her hands and legs, and covered her face with tape.

Ransom demand and escape

The woman was then transported on a motorcycle to a location in Dumaria. From there, the accused used her phone to contact her husband and issue the ransom demand.

Police said the abductors later switched off the phone and moved locations to avoid detection.

However, with police teams intensifying patrols and search operations, the accused reportedly panicked.

Victim abandoned midway

Fearing arrest, the abductors abandoned the woman along a bypass road between Dumaria and Chandarpur. Before fleeing, they removed the tape and restraints and allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by burning them.

Despite being injured, the woman managed to reach a nearby house and informed locals, who then alerted her family and the police.

She was immediately taken to the district hospital in Surajpur for treatment. Officials said her condition is stable.

Arrests and seizure

Following the breakthrough, police arrested Roshan Devangan and later apprehended Sheikh Ishu while he was allegedly attempting to flee towards Bilaspur. A third accused remains absconding, and search efforts are ongoing.

Authorities also seized a motorcycle, a scooter, and two mobile phones believed to have been used in the crime.

Ongoing investigation

Police officials said the investigation is continuing to trace the absconding suspect and gather further evidence.

“The Surajpur kidnapping case highlights how prior knowledge of a family’s financial situation was misused,” an officer noted, adding that more details could emerge as the probe progresses.

Brutal killing uncovered

A gruesome murder case in Surajpur has come to light nearly 26 days after the incident, with police arresting the victim’s husband for allegedly killing his wife and attempting to mislead investigators. The accused had initially lodged a false report claiming that his wife died under unknown circumstances.

False story exposed

According to police officials, the accused tried to cover up the crime by fabricating a story soon after the incident in early March. However, inconsistencies in his statement and postmortem findings raised suspicion, prompting a deeper probe.

During sustained questioning, the husband eventually confessed to the हत्या, revealing chilling details of the assault.

Frequent marital disputes

Investigators said the couple had a history of frequent arguments, largely driven by the wife’s suspicion over her husband’s character. Sources indicated that the accused was in contact with other women, which often led to heated confrontations at home.

On the night of the incident, a similar argument escalated beyond control, leading to the fatal assault.

Assault turned fatal

Police said the accused first physically assaulted his wife using a plastic pipe, targeting her limbs. The violence intensified when he allegedly attacked her with a knife, inflicting fatal injuries.

The victim was found lying face down beneath a cot when the accused returned home later that night. Initially, he chose not to act, assuming she was intoxicated. The next morning, he claimed to have discovered her dead.

Investigation gathers pace

Following the death, the accused informed neighbours and relatives that his wife had died due to unknown reasons. A preliminary case was registered, and the body was sent for postmortem.

Officials said the autopsy report revealed multiple injuries inconsistent with natural or accidental death, prompting police to treat the case as suspicious.

Confession and arrest

After gathering evidence and questioning the accused in custody, police confirmed his involvement. He admitted to attacking his wife in a fit of rage following an argument.

Based on his statement, police recovered the plastic pipe and knife allegedly used in the crime. The accused has since been arrested and sent to judicial remand.

Criminal background noted

Police sources also indicated that the accused has a prior record and is known in the local area for involvement in minor criminal activities. This background is now being factored into the ongoing investigation.

Officials added that further legal proceedings are underway, and additional charges may be invoked based on evidence.

Broader concerns raised

The Surajpur murder case has once again highlighted concerns around domestic violence and underreported marital disputes in rural areas. Experts point out that many such incidents escalate due to lack of timely intervention and awareness.

Authorities have urged citizens to report domestic conflicts early to prevent such tragedies

 What lies ahead

Police said a detailed chargesheet will be filed in court after completing the investigation. The case is expected to proceed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and destruction of evidence.

As the Surajpur murder case moves forward, it underscores the need for stronger social and legal mechanisms to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals.