1 hr ago
Patient Dies at Odisha Hospital as Family Alleges Security Assault
Srikanta Das was being treated at a government hospital in Cuttack, Odisha.
He was admitted on Monday to the psychiatry department.
He died early Wednesday while still receiving treatment.
His family says security workers hit him with plastic pipes the night before he died.
They also say he had injuries on several parts of his body.
The hospital said it would help police investigate what happened.
The hospital superintendent explained that patients may sometimes be physically restrained to stop them from hurting themselves.
However, he said no one is allowed to assault a patient.
Police are now investigating the family’s complaint.
Srikanta Das of Jajpur district died early Wednesday while receiving treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Das had been admitted to the psychiatry department on Monday, officials said.
His family alleged that security personnel beat him with plastic pipes the previous night before injections were administered.
Das’s brother said the patient had injury marks on his head, ears, arms and legs.
Police began an investigation after Das’s wife filed a complaint, while the hospital pledged to cooperate.
- Who
- Srikanta Das, a patient from Jajpur district, died; his family alleged that hospital security staff assaulted him.
- What
- A patient died while undergoing treatment, and his family alleged that security personnel beat him before his death.
- Where
- SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha.
- When
- Das was admitted on Monday and died early Wednesday; the alleged beating occurred the previous night.
- Why
- The cause and circumstances of the death are under police investigation following a complaint by Das’s wife.
Family’s Allegation
Hospital and Official Position
Cause of injuries and death
Family’s Allegation
Das’s wife alleged that security personnel beat him with plastic pipes and that he died soon after injections were administered. His brother said Das had injuries on his head, ears, arms and legs.
Hospital and Official Position
Hospital officials did not confirm the allegations and said police were investigating. The medical superintendent said the hospital would provide all necessary support.
Physical restraint of patients
Family’s Allegation
The family’s account described the reported use of force as an assault.
Hospital and Official Position
Medical Superintendent Jyotish Chandra Choudhury said patients may be physically restrained to prevent self-harm, but no one may physically assault a patient.
Key facts
- Patient
- Srikanta Das
- Hospital
- SCB Medical College and Hospital
- Location
- Cuttack, Odisha
- Department
- Psychiatry
- Admission
- Monday
- Death
- Early Wednesday
- Investigation
- Police launched an inquiry after Das’s wife filed a complaint
Quotes
Jyotish Chandra Choudhury
Medical Superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital
“I got information about the incident, but I don’t have the details. We will cooperate with police in the investigation.”
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“A patient can be restrained physically to prevent self-harm. But no one can physically assault a patient.”
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Das’s wife
Wife of deceased patient Srikanta Das
“My husband was beaten with plastic pipes last night. Later they administered some injections. He died soon after.”
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