Hospital Erupts as Relatives Protest Suspicious Death

A 28-year-old under-trial prisoner, arrested in an illegal liquor case, died under suspicious circumstances at the Raigadh Medical College Hospital on Saturday, triggering a tense protest by family members and villagers.

Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Navapara village under Kotraroad police station limits, was lodged in the district jail after his arrest on June 10. According to jail officials, his health deteriorated suddenly on Saturday morning, following which he was rushed to the hospital. He died during treatment around midday.

Relatives Allege Custodial Violence

The news of Baghel's death brought angry relatives and villagers rushing to the hospital. What followed was nearly an hour of commotion, with family members alleging their loved one was beaten inside the jail.

"Social function was going on in the village. Police picked up two people from there. The other young man was released after taking ₹40,000," said Pyare Lal Baghel, the deceased's father. "They took my son because we couldn't pay."

The father further alleged that police personnel refused to let the family view the body for several hours after death.

Police Deny Charges of Assault

Jail Superintendent G.S. Sori rejected allegations of any physical violence against Baghel.

"He was admitted to the jail on June 10. On June 12, he complained of illness and was treated at the jail hospital," Sori explained. "When his condition did not improve, we referred him to the medical college on Saturday morning. Doctors examined him and administered medication."

Police officials present at the hospital maintained that all protocols were followed and the family's allegations are baseless.

Magistrate-Led Inquiry Underway

The confrontation at the hospital saw mild pushing between relatives and police personnel before senior officers arrived to calm the situation. Authorities assured the family that the body would be handed over only after mandatory legal procedures, including a magistrate-mandated post-mortem examination.

"We have told the relatives that the body will be shown to them once the magistrate completes the necessary process," a senior police officer present at the scene told reporters.Sarpanch Nand Kumar Baretha confirmed that villagers were denied access to the body for an extended period, adding to their suspicion and anger.

 Similar Incident Raises Wider Concerns

Baghel's death comes barely days after another suspicious prison death in neighbouring Bilaspur, where a man arrested in a liquor case died under similar circumstances. In that case too, the family had alleged police demanded money and assaulted the prisoner before he was sent to jail.

The Raigadh district administration has ordered a probe into Baghel's death. Officials said the exact cause would be determined only after the post-mortem report is received. Family members have demanded a judicial inquiry and strict action against those responsible.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

Constable dies after stone surgery in Bilaspur; kin allege medical negligence

BILASPUR: Tensions flared at a private hospital in Bilaspur on Saturday after a 36-year-old police constable, admitted for a routine kidney stone procedure, passed away following the surgery. The family of the deceased has alleged gross medical negligence, leading to high drama and protests on the hospital premises, while the management maintains the death was caused by a sudden cardiac arrest.

The deceased, identified as Satyakumar Patle, a resident of Eramshahi village in the Masturi area, was posted as a constable at the Sarkanda police station. The incident occurred at Shri Ram Care Hospital located in the Nehru Nagar locality under the Civil Lines police jurisdiction.

Sudden health complications post-surgery

According to sources, Patle complained of severe abdominal pain on April 26, after which he approached the hospital for a check-up. Following diagnostic tests, doctors confirmed the presence of a stone and advised immediate surgery. His associates stated that a surgery package was finalized for ₹40,000.

Patle was admitted on April 28, and the procedure was carried out the following day. Initially, the doctors informed the family that the surgery was successful and the patient was recovering well. Reports indicate that Patle was conscious and communicating with his relatives throughout Thursday and Friday morning.

Family alleges delayed response

The situation took a turn for the worse on Friday evening when Patle began experiencing breathing difficulties and persistent coughing. Ashish, a friend of the deceased, alleged that the hospital staff was alerted immediately, but no specialist doctor attended to him for several hours.

"He was fine after the operation. When the coughing started, we repeatedly informed the nursing staff, but there was a significant delay in treatment. His condition deteriorated because they ignored him for four to five hours," Ashish claimed. By the time medical intervention intensified, Patle had to be shifted to a ventilator.

Clashes and heavy police deployment

As news of the constable's death spread on Saturday afternoon, a large number of relatives and villagers gathered at the hospital. Protesters accused the hospital management and the operating surgeons of negligence, demanding an immediate FIR against those responsible.

The protest prompted a heavy police deployment to prevent any untoward incident. Civil Lines TI SR Sahu arrived at the spot, followed by senior officials including Additional SP (City) Pankaj Patel and ASP (Rural) Madhulika Singh. The officers spent several hours pacifying the agitated family, assuring them of a fair investigation based on the post-mortem findings.

Hospital cites cardiac arrest

Refuting the allegations of medical negligence, the hospital management issued a statement claiming that the surgical procedure was standard and successful. They stated that the patient’s clinical parameters were stable post-op, but he suffered a sudden, massive heart attack on Friday evening.

Despite being put on life support and receiving intensive care, he could not be revived. The management also reportedly told the family at one point that an infection had reached the kidneys, necessitating dialysis, though the primary cause of death is being maintained as cardiac failure.

Police await post-mortem report

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday. Police officials have stated that the exact cause of death will only be established through the forensic report.

"The family has submitted a complaint alleging negligence. We have registered the matter and are waiting for the autopsy results. Based on the medical report and expert opinion, further legal action will be initiated," said TI SR Sahu. The local police department has expressed grief over the loss of their colleague, while the family remains adamant about a high-level probe into the private facility's conduct.