Kullu protest enters second day over death of woman after childbirth

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Kullu, June 30

The protest demanding justice for Manju Sharma, who died following childbirth at Kullu Regional Hospital, entered its second day, with demonstrators continuing their hunger strike and demanding strict action against the doctor and nurse allegedly involved in the case.

The protesters have been staging a dharna on the hospital premises, stating that their agitation will continue until appropriate action is taken against those responsible. They have been demanding the suspension and action against the accused medical staff.

The district administration had formed a committee to investigate the matter, and the committee is expected to present its first report after noon. Meanwhile, supporters of various political parties have also extended their support to the protest.

The demonstration continued throughout the previous day, following which protesters temporarily stepped back after receiving assurance from the district administration regarding the committee’s report. However, social workers and some residents continued the protest at the Regional Hospital in Dhalpur.

Social worker Baldev Thakur said the protesters were seeking justice for Manju Sharma and questioned the decision-making during her treatment. He said that if the doctor was aware of the woman’s health condition, there should be an investigation into why a caesarean procedure was carried out. He also alleged that the woman was mistreated and demanded a fair probe into all aspects of the case.

Thakur said the protest would continue until proper action was taken. He added that people from across Kullu had supported the demonstration earlier, and warned that the agitation could intensify if their demands were not addressed.

He also questioned why the accused doctor had not appeared at the hospital, despite being contacted during the emergency, and alleged that negligence needed to be investigated.

Meanwhile, Banjar MLA Surender Shouri met the protesters and expressed support for their demand for justice. He said that after learning about the protest, he decided to meet the demonstrators and had also spoken to the Chief Minister regarding the matter.

Shouri alleged that the hospital’s administration and management had failed to take action against the doctor and urged the Chief Minister to intervene. He said strict action should be taken against those found responsible and justice should be provided to the deceased woman.