Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Rajni Sharma’s Death Prompts Probe, Debate in Himachal Assembly
Rajni Sharma, also called Manju, went to a hospital in Kullu to have a baby.
She gave birth on June 20 and died the next day.
Her family and local residents said hospital staff may have been careless.
The government says she died after very heavy bleeding following childbirth.
Several investigations are now looking at what happened.
Three hospital workers were suspended after an early inquiry.
Police have also registered a case and formed a Special Investigation Team.
The chief minister said guilty people will be punished, but innocent people will not be blamed.
Rajni Sharma, also identified as Manju, died after childbirth at Regional Hospital in Kullu on June 21.
The government said an initial inquiry identified excessive postpartum haemorrhage as the cause of death.
Two departmental inquiries and a Special Investigation Team are examining possible medical or administrative negligence.
Three hospital personnel—Dr Vivek, Anu and a staff nurse—were suspended after a preliminary inquiry.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu promised action after the final report, while Jairam Thakur criticized the government’s response as unclear.
- Who
- Rajni Sharma, also known as Manju, died after childbirth; the Himachal Pradesh government, hospital personnel and investigators are involved.
- What
- Her death was raised in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly amid allegations of medical or administrative negligence.
- When
- She was admitted on June 19, gave birth on June 20 and died on June 21; the issue was raised on August 31.
- Where
- Regional Hospital in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- The death prompted protests and demands from her family and residents for an investigation into alleged negligence.
Government’s Position
Opposition’s Concerns
Cause and accountability
Government’s Position
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the investigation so far identified excessive postpartum haemorrhage as the cause and promised action without pressure or bias once the report is received.
Opposition’s Concerns
Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur said the government’s response was unclear and asked whether medical or administrative negligence had been established and what action had been taken.
Public protests
Government’s Position
Sukhu acknowledged the right to protest but said demonstrations inside the hospital could affect patient treatment and safety.
Opposition’s Concerns
The death triggered protests, including a gathering of about 2,000 to 2,500 people outside Kullu Hospital on June 29 after a social media appeal.
- Deceased
- Rajni Sharma, also known as Manju
- Age
- 23
- Hospital
- Regional Hospital, Kullu
- Admission and death
- Admitted June 19; died June 21 after giving birth June 20
- Reported cause
- Excessive postpartum haemorrhage, or heavy bleeding after childbirth
- Investigations
- Hospital-level and independent departmental inquiries, plus a Special Investigation Team
- Suspensions
- Dr Vivek, Anu and a staff nurse were suspended after the preliminary inquiry