A 44 year-old-man from Odisha, was hit by a mini truck and passed away at a private hospital in Cuttack three days after being admitted. Babula Digal, a businessman suffered severe head injuries, while he was riding along with his wife and son towards Rampur. He was declared dead by doctors at the hospital in Cuttack.
However, the case has taken a shocking turn with the victim's family alleging foul play. Digal's family claims that doctors at the hospital may have stolen his organs during the treatment, after finding surgical marks on the victim's abdomen even though the victim had suffered head injuries.
We admitted him for head injuries, but when we saw the surgery marks on his abdomen, we became suspicious. We fear his organs were removed without our knowledge or consent
Family Member
As per the investigation, the cops stated that the hospital authorities did not conduct any post-mortem examination and neither informed the local police station about the death.
Investigation Underway
The Odisha Police have launched an investigation into the allegations. The victim's body was exhumed from the burial ground at Tikarabaju for post-mortem examinations. Baliguda Police Station inspector-in-charge Sushant Sahu stated that the investigation is on board based on the allegations of the deceased's son about organ theft. And further added that all the details will be updated only after getting the post-mortem report.
Hospital Denies Allegations
Amidst the allegations, the hospital manager Susanta Behera claimed that the doctor had performed decompressive craniectomy, a neurosurgical procedure, and had informed the family about Digal's condition during treatment.
Government Response
As the news stormed, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling ordered a departmental inquiry into the allegations and promised strict action if anyone was found guilty.
A team from the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police visited the private hospital for the investigation following the complaint in Kundhamal.
Input from various sources
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)