Pune Police Register Case Against Medical Professionals Over Infant's Death
The Sahakarnagar police in Pune have taken legal action against four pediatricians and two nurses from Chinmay Nursing Home in Navi Peth. The case, registered on Thursday, involves serious charges of causing death by negligence and cheating related to the tragic demise of an 11-month-old female infant last year.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The infant was admitted to the nursing home on May 22, 2025, after experiencing repeated bouts of vomiting. According to police reports, the child died during treatment around midnight. The father of the girl, a 34-year-old lawyer from Dhankawadi, filed a formal complaint with the Sahakarnagar police, alleging that his daughter's death resulted from negligence by the medical staff at the facility.
Legal Framework and Charges
Based on a committee report from Sassoon Hospital, the police have registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include Section 106 for causing death by negligence, Section 336 for forgery, Section 318 for cheating, and Section 228 for fabricating false evidence. Additionally, Section 3(5) regarding common intention has been invoked, along with relevant sections of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act.
While First Information Reports have been filed, no arrests have been made as investigations continue.
Medical Perspective from the Nursing Home
Dr. Mukund Sangamnerkar of Chinmay Nursing Home provided a detailed defense of the medical team's actions. "Our conclusion is we did everything possible to save the child," he stated. "She was severely dehydrated. A day before she was brought to us, she weighed 8.5 kg. She lost 1.5 kg within a day."
Dr. Sangamnerkar explained that the family had visited multiple hospitals before arriving at their facility. "We did not refer them away, but started treatment immediately. The baby's hemoglobin was in excess due to severe water loss and was leading to blood clotting. She was admitted to our clinic for only four hours. My team of doctors and I tried everything within that short span of time. Unfortunately, she died."
The pediatrician, who has been practicing since 1980, revealed that they had suggested a post-mortem examination, which the family refused. "They gave us in writing that they did not have any complaints with us. I do not know what happened after they left. The law will take its course, but I do believe we are not at fault in the case."
Police Investigation Findings
An officer from the Talegaon Dabhade police provided additional details from the complainant's perspective. According to the father, he took his daughter to Chinmay Nursing Home because she was vomiting. A doctor on duty advised admission due to significant water loss in the child's body.
The officer described the sequence of events:
- The complainant took a video of his daughter and shared it with Dr. Sangamnerkar
- Treatment began as per the doctor's instructions
- Doctors administered saline to the girl
- The father was sent to a lab with blood samples
- Additional injections were administered through the saline tube
"Around 9 pm, the complainant was informed that his daughter's reports were normal," the officer stated. "He was told that if the child vomited again, she would have to be shifted to another hospital with an ICU. The complainant claimed that the child vomited again around 10 pm. Instead of shifting her, the doctors administered an injection."
Critical Evidence and Allegations
The girl died around midnight, after which the hospital informed the Vishrambaug police. While a post-mortem was suggested, the complainant refused. However, he later obtained CCTV camera footage from the hospital that allegedly revealed concerning actions.
The father alleged that the CCTV footage showed one of the doctors hiding his daughter's file in another ward. Furthermore, he claimed the doctor made changes in the register and in his infant's medical reports.
The officer added that the hospital allegedly mentioned an incorrect cause of death and wrong time of death on the child's death certificate.
Medical Committee Findings
The complainant filed a formal application regarding medical negligence with the Sahakarnagar police, which was subsequently forwarded to the Sassoon hospital committee for evaluation. "The committee report said the patient was not monitored properly and the treatment was not as per norms," the officer revealed.
This professional medical assessment formed the basis for the police to proceed with registering the case against the medical professionals.
Current Status and Implications
The Sahakarnagar police have officially registered the case, and investigations are ongoing. This development highlights several critical aspects of medical accountability and patient safety in healthcare facilities. The case brings attention to:
- The importance of proper patient monitoring in medical facilities
- The legal responsibilities of healthcare providers
- The role of medical committees in investigating alleged negligence
- The emotional toll on families dealing with medical tragedies
As the legal process unfolds, this case will likely have significant implications for medical practice standards and patient rights in the region. The police continue their investigation while the medical professionals maintain their position of having provided appropriate care under challenging circumstances.
