Himachal childbirth death: Protesters return demanding action, husband threatens self-immolation

Kullu (HP), Jul 8 (PTI) Hundreds gathered despite rains at the Dhalpur Maidan in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu on Wednesday to protest against a woman's death at a hospital after childbirth, with her husband threatening to immolate himself the family did not get justice. The protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister through the SP and DC of Kullu, seeking a time-bound probe and FIR against the doctor who conducted the delivery. No action had been taken against the doctor and two nurses involved, family members and protestors said. Anticipating unrest, the district administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita within a 100-metre radius of Regional Hospital, Kullu, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people. A duty magistrate was also deployed to maintain order. During the protest, Satish Sharma, the husband of the deceased woman broke down and threatened self-immolation. On June 20, Manju Sharma (23) from Sunaru village near Bali Chowki in Mandi district was admitted for delivery. The attending doctor performed the delivery, but her condition deteriorated suddenly afterward. The relatives of the deceased alleged that Manju informed the staff about her deteriorating health condition but a staff nurse dismissed the situation by claiming the woman was merely "acting" or feigning distress. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the matter after protests on June 29 and 30, and subsequently the doctor, Dr Anu, was suspended. This triggered a protest by doctors and other health workers who submitted a memorandum to the district administration raising concerns about the safety of hospital employees and harassment faced by them. Following this, FIRs were lodged against two protestors. Protestors have talked to the SP but were dissatisfied with the officer's response so they held demonstrations against the government and the administration outside the DC office. The agitation would continue until strict action is taken against the guilty, said social activist Baldev Thakur who has led the agitation. He urged the administration to conduct a high-level inquiry and initiate legal proceedings against the concerned individuals once culpability is established. They also demanded withdrawal of all FIRs filed against demonstrators Bunty Thakur and Sanjay Chauhan, as well as the ban imposed on their social media accounts, must be revoked with immediate effect. Police have suspended social media accounts of two persons -- Banti Saraji and Sanjay Chauhan. Police has registered cases against the protesters under BNS Sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty), 189(1) (unlawful assembly) and 191(2) (punishment for rioting by an unlawful assembly). Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chandra Sharma said the restrictions were imposed near the hospital for patient safety and uninterrupted medical services. Permission was granted to hold the protest at Dhalpur Maidan with a sound system, he said. PTI COR BPL SKY SKY