Patna: The death of an 18-year-old boy at a private hospital in Raja Bazaar, Patna, sparked protests from his family, who carried the ICU bed and ventilator along with the body onto the streets. The deceased, Vishal, a resident of Phulwarisharif, was admitted to the ICU in critical condition after sustaining a severe head injury during a cricket match on Sunday evening.
Incident Details
According to the family, Vishal got into a dispute while playing cricket, and a youth allegedly struck him on the head with a bat. He was rushed to the hospital around 4 pm and placed on a ventilator. The family alleged they were repeatedly denied access to see him despite depositing around Rs 2 lakh for treatment. They claimed doctors continued to demand more money while insisting he was alive, even as his condition worsened. Vishal died during treatment on Monday. The family accused hospital staff of medical negligence, extortion, and also made allegations of unauthorized organ removal.
Protest and Vandalism
Angered over the alleged denial of access and treatment, family members and locals created a ruckus at the hospital, vandalizing property, breaking windows, throwing flower pots, and damaging vehicles. They dragged the ICU bed, ventilator, and the body onto the road as part of the protest.
Police Response
ASP (law and order) Krishna Murari Prasad, along with the Shastri Nagar police team, reached the spot and pacified protesters after a two-hour traffic jam on Bailey Road. The ASP said Vishal had suffered a head injury leading to unconsciousness and was declared dead on Monday. However, the family refused to accept the sudden death and protested. The situation was brought under control after our team reached the spot, and we heard the family members, he said.
Hospital Statement
The body had come on Sunday evening with severe head injury. He was hit by a bat and was in complete coma. Today he died. The family created a ruckus unnecessarily, a hospital official said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to talk to media.
