Social Worker Launches Indefinite Fast Over Alleged Medical Negligence
Social worker Bunty Seraji, joined by family members of 23-year-old Rajni Sharma, began an indefinite fast at Regional Hospital in Kullu on Tuesday to demand justice. Rajni Sharma died on June 21 following a Cesarean section (C-section) delivery, with her family alleging gross medical negligence by attending doctors and nursing staff.
Protest Details and Demands
Speaking from the protest site, Bunty Seraji stated, "Protests are nobody's first choice, but people had to take to the streets to demand justice for Rajni Sharma." He alleged that no concrete action had been taken against the "erring" doctors and hospital staff so far, causing widespread public resentment. Seraji vowed to continue fasting until justice is delivered and strict action is taken against those found guilty.
He also appealed to the administration not to take action against common citizens participating in protests. "If any legal action is to be taken, it should be against me alone, as I take full responsibility for this movement," he asserted.
Administration Forms Magisterial Inquiry Committee
Responding to mounting public pressure, the district administration issued a formal order on June 27, constituting a magisterial inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee, headed by the Kullu Sub Divisional Magistrate, includes the Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Chief Medical Officer as members. The panel has been given seven days to submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations.
MLA Visits Protesters, Heated Exchange Ensues
Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur visited the fasting protesters and the victim's family on the hospital premises. He assured them that the concerned gynaecologist would be transferred from the Regional Hospital and that strict action would be taken based on the inquiry's findings. However, the visit turned dramatic when a heated exchange broke out between the MLA and BJP leader Rekha Guleria over an unspecified issue, creating tense moments before bystanders intervened and calmed the situation.
Widespread Public Outrage
Hundreds of residents from Seraj and Kullu have been holding rallies and sit-ins. Demonstrators burned an effigy of the Health Minister and forced their way past barricades into the hospital complex yesterday. Protesters chanted slogans such as "Manju Hum Sharminda Hain, Tere Katil Zinda Hain" (Manju, we are ashamed... your killers are alive). Several leaders, including Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, met the protesters.
