Police in Ludhiana have initiated legal action against four directors of a private hospital following disturbing allegations of a body swapping incident. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, centers on Orison Hospital in Salem Tabri.
Family's Grief Turns to Outrage
The controversy erupted when the family of a deceased patient, Gurmeet Singh, discovered that the body handed over to them for last rites was not their relative. According to the police complaint, Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Haibowal, was admitted to Orison Hospital on April 26. His condition deteriorated, and he was declared dead by the hospital authorities on April 28.
The family's ordeal began when they received the body. "They suspected something was amiss and refused to accept the body," stated a police official familiar with the investigation. Their suspicions led them to request a second post-mortem examination, which was conducted at the Civil Hospital.
Hospital Directors Face Serious Charges
Acting on a formal complaint filed by the aggrieved family, the Salem Tabri police have registered a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The charges include:
- Section 420 (Cheating)
- Section 465 (Forgery)
- Section 467 (Forgery of valuable security)
- Section 468 (Forgery for purpose of cheating)
- Section 471 (Using as genuine a forged document)
- Section 120-B (Criminal conspiracy)
The named accused in the First Information Report (FIR) are the hospital's directors: Dr. Rajesh Garg, Dr. Ravinder Garg, Dr. Rajan Garg, and Dr. Monika Garg. The police action underscores the severity of the allegations, which point to a potential conspiracy to swap bodies.
Investigation Underway, Community Demands Answers
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is actively progressing. "We have registered a case and are investigating the matter from all angles," a senior police officer assured. The case raises profound questions about hospital protocols, ethical practices, and accountability within private healthcare institutions.
The incident has caused significant anguish and anger in Ludhiana. It highlights a horrific breach of trust between a medical facility and the families it serves during their most vulnerable moments. The swapping of a deceased loved one's body is not just a legal violation but a deep emotional and religious transgression for the affected family.
As the probe continues, the focus remains on uncovering the sequence of events that led to this alleged swap and establishing the motive behind it. The medical community and citizens alike are awaiting clarity and justice, hoping such a distressing incident is never repeated.
