Woman’s death after childbirth sparks massive protest in Kullu; Govt suspends gynaecologist
Kullu, June 30
Public outrage intensified in Kullu on Tuesday following the death of a 23-year-old woman after childbirth at the Regional Hospital, Kullu, with hundreds of people staging protests, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway and demanding strict action against the doctors and hospital staff allegedly responsible for the incident.
The deceased, identified as Rajni Sharma, had been admitted to the Regional Hospital for delivery on June 20. Her family has alleged that despite repeatedly complaining of severe pain, she was ignored by the attending gynaecologist and mistreated. They also accused a nurse of misbehaviour and negligence, holding the hospital staff responsible for her death.
As anger spread across Kullu and neighbouring Mandi district, protesters assembled outside the Regional Hospital before marching to Dhalpur Chowk and the office of the Superintendent of Police. Demonstrators blocked traffic on the national highway for several hours, resulting in long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides. Protesters raised slogans against the state government and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. An effigy of the Health Minister was also burnt during the protest.
The situation turned tense when protesters attempted to meet the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ranjit Thakur, and Medical Superintendent, Dr. Hira Lal Bodh. After finding the hospital’s main gate closed, some protesters forced their way into the premises, leading to heavy police deployment to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Government suspended Dr. Anu Devi, Medical Officer (Gynaecology and Obstetrics), with immediate effect. According to an order issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on June 30, Dr. Anu Devi has been placed under suspension after a report from the Director of Health Services stated that she had operated upon a patient at Regional Hospital, Kullu, on June 21, which subsequently led to the patient’s death. The order further states that a departmental inquiry has been contemplated into the alleged misconduct. During the suspension period, her headquarters will remain at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Shimla.
Local MLA Sunder Singh Thakur reached the protest site and held discussions with the bereaved family and demonstrators. He assured them that the government would ensure a fair and impartial inquiry and that no guilty hospital staff member would be spared. Following his assurance, the protesters agreed to suspend the road blockade but warned that they would intensify their agitation if justice was delayed or the investigation was not conducted transparently.
Police officials said the situation remained under control after the blockade was lifted, though public resentment over the incident continues to run high.
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