In a startling incident at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Patna, Bihar, the left eye of a deceased man was found mysteriously missing a few hours after his death, sparking outrage and allegations of medical negligence. The incident occurred on Saturday and involved a man named Fantush Kumar, who had been admitted to the hospital following a gunshot wound.
Fantush's family accused the hospital staff of removing the eye, creating a commotion on the premises. The hospital administration, however, speculated that rats may have gnawed at the body, although alternative theories, such as interference by accomplices of the assailant who shot Fantush, were also suggested.
According to Rajiv Kumar, SHO of the Alamganj police station, Fantush, a resident of Nalanda, was admitted to NMCH on Friday after being referred from a local hospital. He had been shot in the stomach by an unknown assailant. Following surgery on Friday, Fantush was placed in the ICU but succumbed to his injuries at approximately 8:55 p.m.
Once the autopsy report comes in, we will know how the eye was gouged out.Dr. Binod Kumar Singh
“Fantush died on Friday night, and his body was kept in the hospital for postmortem since autopsies are not performed at night,” said Rajiv Kumar. When the family visited his body early on Saturday morning at around 5:00 a.m., they discovered that his left eye was missing.
The incident prompted police and hospital authorities to launch investigations. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Atulesh Kumar Jha stated, “We are investigating from all angles. The written application from the deceased's family has not been received yet.”
To determine what happened, the hospital's medical superintendent, Dr. Binod Kumar Singh, formed a four-member committee to look into the matter. The committee includes prominent specialists: Dr. Pradeep Karak (head of the eye department), Dr. P.D. Verma (head of surgery), Dr. Bijoy Kumar (head of anesthesia), and a cornea transplant specialist.
Dr. Singh explained that while some doctors speculated that rats might have gnawed at the deceased’s body, others suggested the possibility of external interference. “A team of doctors performed the postmortem. Once the autopsy report comes in, we will know how the eye was gouged out,” he said.
The hospital administration has also filed an FIR at Alamganj police station, reporting the incident and seeking clarity on whether negligence, foul play, or environmental factors were responsible.
We are investigating from all angles. The written application from the deceased's family has not been received yet.Atulesh Kumar Jha
Fantush had been admitted to NMCH in critical condition after undergoing surgery on Friday. He passed away later that evening. According to Dr. Singh, the family visited the hospital late Friday night but did not initially report the missing eye. “We were informed about it around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday,” he added.
Fantush’s death occurred in the ICU, where two other patients were reportedly present. CCTV footage from the ward and surrounding hospital areas is currently being reviewed to ascertain whether external interference could have occurred.
While the family has accused hospital staff of negligence, some doctors believe that the eye might have been removed by rats that entered the hospital premises. This theory has raised concerns about hygiene and rodent control measures at NMCH.
Another theory posited by hospital authorities is that accomplices of the assailant who shot Fantush may have been involved. According to this line of thought, they might have removed the eye for reasons yet to be determined.
As the controversy unfolds, the hospital administration and police are under pressure to provide answers. “We are questioning the doctors who performed the operation and awaiting the autopsy report for further clarity,” Dr. Singh said.
The bizarre nature of the incident has drawn attention to NMCH’s protocols for postmortem procedures and body security. The case highlights the need for stringent measures to ensure the safety and dignity of deceased individuals, especially in high-profile or sensitive cases such as gunshot injuries.
The autopsy report is expected to shed light on how the eye went missing, potentially confirming whether rodents or foul play were responsible. Meanwhile, the family and public await clear answers, as the case underscores broader concerns about hospital management and accountability.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)