A tragic incident has come to light in Mumbai's Versova area, where a 42-year-old woman succumbed to injuries after her husband allegedly kicked her in the stomach during a domestic dispute. The woman, identified as Ruksana Shaikh, suffered severe damage to her intestine, which ultimately led to her death. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the husband, Shahnuddin Shaikh, on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Background of the Incident
According to police officials, Ruksana lived with her husband Shahnuddin and their two daughters, aged 14 and 5. She had a pre-existing condition of low blood pressure. In the early hours of May 18, Ruksana called her sister Riya, informing her that Shahnuddin had assaulted her during a quarrel, kicking her in the stomach. She complained of severe abdominal pain.
Medical Journey Across Multiple Hospitals
Riya alerted another sister, Zara, who rushed Ruksana to Cooper Hospital. Initial examinations, including an X-ray and sonography, showed no abnormalities. Ruksana was discharged and returned home. However, her pain persisted, prompting her family to admit her to a private hospital in Seven Bungalows, Andheri. A second sonography was conducted, and she was sent home the next morning.
As her condition did not improve, the family took her to a third hospital for another sonography. This time, doctors recommended a CT scan. The family then moved her to a fourth hospital for the scan, where her husband also arrived. After reviewing the CT scan results, a doctor consulted with the family physician, revealing that Ruksana had developed a widespread infection. The physician advised immediate admission to Cooper Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Post-Surgery Complications and Death
Ruksana never regained consciousness following the surgery. On May 20, doctors declared her dead. A postmortem examination confirmed that the injuries to her intestine were the direct cause of death. The FIR was formally lodged on May 22.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the severe consequences of domestic violence. Investigations are ongoing, and the husband remains in custody.
