The indefinite hunger strike by Ramshiromani Mishra, father of Rewa woman Kalpana Mishra who died along with her newborn at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, entered its fifth day on Sunday. The family continues to demand an FIR against those they hold responsible and a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Mishra is sitting on a protest at Sirmour Chauraha in Rewa. Supporters of the family have appealed to people across the district to reach the protest site and extend support to the campaign seeking justice for Kalpana and her child.

The case has already led to departmental action against four healthcare workers, the removal of the hospital superintendent and multiple inquiries. However, the family says these measures are insufficient and is insisting on criminal proceedings.

Father refuses to end hunger strike

Ramshiromani Mishra has maintained that suspension alone cannot provide justice to his daughter and newborn grandson. His primary demand is that an FIR be registered against those found responsible, followed by an impartial investigation and legal action.

The continuing protest has also attracted support from political and social organisations.

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has previously met the family and assured them that the matter would be investigated and action taken if wrongdoing is established.

Despite that assurance and the administrative measures already taken, Kalpana’s father has continued his hunger strike.

Four healthcare workers suspended

Following the deaths, authorities took preliminary disciplinary action against two nursing officers and two doctorsassociated with the case.

The suspended doctors include Dr Sonal Agrawal, who was on duty in the obstetrics and gynaecology department, and Dr Nidhi Pandey from anaesthesia. The two nursing officers were also suspended following the initial allegations and inquiry.

The state government has said further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. (Web India News)

Importantly, the suspensions are administrative action and do not by themselves establish criminal liability.

Hospital superintendent removed

Another significant development was the removal of Dr Rahul Mishra from the post of superintendent of Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

The action followed controversy over a video of his interaction with Kalpana’s family after her death. The government subsequently transferred the hospital’s superintendence to Dr Priyank Sharma. 

Dr Rahul Mishra had denied allegations of medical negligence and maintained that Kalpana had been treated according to medical protocols. The circumstances surrounding her death remain subject to investigation. 

Inquiry examining treatment and circumstances

The government has constituted an inquiry into the deaths to determine what happened from Kalpana’s admission through her treatment and delivery.

A five-member committee was earlier constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. Separately, the Rewa administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry, with the Sirmour SDM assigned to examine the case and submit findings. 

The investigation is expected to examine whether prescribed medical protocols were followed and whether any lapse contributed to the deaths.

The family also sought post-mortem examinations. The available reports indicate that the exact cause of death has not yet been conclusively established.

Video intensified public anger

The controversy escalated after a video surfaced showing Kalpana in distress shortly before her death, pleading with her family and expressing fear about continuing treatment.

The footage triggered widespread concern and protests, with the family alleging serious lapses in treatment. Hospital authorities, however, have maintained that the allegations must be examined through the inquiry process. 

The video has become an important part of the public debate, but it does not by itself establish the medical cause of death or criminal responsibility.

FIR demand remains central to protest

With the hunger strike entering its fifth day, the family’s demand has shifted the focus from departmental action to criminal accountability.

The government has already taken several administrative measures, including suspensions, a change in hospital leadership and inquiries. The next major development will depend on the findings of those investigations.

Until those findings are available, allegations of negligence should remain attributed to the family and protesters rather than presented as an established fact. The family, meanwhile, has appealed for greater public participation at the Sirmour Chauraha protest as it continues its demand for an FIR and legal action.

A short circuit triggered a sudden fire at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Gandhi Memorial Hospital late Thursday night, sending a wave of panic through the facility. Staff on duty managed to bring the blaze under control using fire extinguishers, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.

The fire broke out around 11:30 pm when sparks from an electrical short spread quickly within the ward. Nurses on night duty noticed the smoke first and raised an alarm.

Panic and Evacuation

Within minutes, the ward turned chaotic. Family members waiting outside rushed toward the unit as smoke began filling the corridor. Some parents were seen carrying their newborns in their arms while staff guided others to safer sections of the hospital.

"All infants were moved to a different ward within 10 minutes. The staff acted quickly without waiting for fire brigade arrival," a hospital source said.

Local authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported.

Maintenance Work Stopped for Months

Behind the scare lies a larger administrative failure. Sources familiar with the matter said the agency responsible for electrical maintenance had stopped all work at the hospital several months ago. The reason? Non-payment by the medical college dean's office.

According to hospital insiders, repeated requests for clearing pending dues were ignored. As a result, basic upkeep of electrical systems and life-saving equipment had been neglected for nearly four months.

Previous Warnings Ignored

This is not the first time questions have been raised about infrastructure safety at GMH. Last year, doctors had flagged faulty wiring in two other wards. In June, a minor electrical malfunction had disrupted oxygen supply briefly, though no serious injury followed.

Despite these warnings, hospital management failed to initiate repairs or allocate funds for overdue maintenance contracts.

What Next?

District health officials have ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incident. A report has been sought from the hospital superintendent within three days. Meanwhile, opposition leaders in Rewa have demanded strict action against those responsible for withholding maintenance payments.

For now, the newborns remain under observation in an adjoining ward. Staff say all are stable. But parents who spent the night outside the hospital corridors are not easily reassured.