Satara Police File Criminal Case Against Suspended Gynaecologist Ahead of HC Hearing
The Satara City police on Thursday morning registered a criminal case against suspended gynaecologist Dr Chandsab Shikalgar, just hours before a scheduled hearing before the Bombay High Court's Kolhapur bench. This development follows serious allegations involving the death of a newborn baby after a failed medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) performed on a 17-year-old rape survivor.
Serious Charges Under Multiple Sections
Dr Shikalgar faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 91 (causing death of child after birth), Section 105 (culpable homicide), and Section 106(1) (causing death by rash or negligent acts). The complaint was filed by state deputy director of health Bhagwan Pawar, acting on the findings of a High Court-mandated inquiry conducted by principal secretary-2 (public health) E Ravendiran.
The inquiry report had indicted both Dr Shikalgar and the now suspended Satara district civil surgeon Dr Yuvraj Kapre. While the FIR has been registered specifically against Dr Shikalgar, both government doctors are also facing departmental inquiry as recommended by the investigation.
Allegations of Medical Negligence and Record Tampering
The case centers on allegations that the newborn baby was deliberately starved to death for DNA sampling purposes after the MTP procedure failed. The medical termination was performed at Satara Civil Hospital on March 16, following the High Court's permission granted on March 7 with a directive to conduct DNA sampling.
According to the complaint filed by Deputy Director Pawar, the MTP failed and the newborn baby, weighing just 750 grams and requiring special care, was kept on the bedside of the minor rape survivor for hours without proper medical attention. The complaint states that Dr Shikalgar, who performed the procedure, failed to call a child specialist as mandated for newborn care.
"Moreover, Dr Shikalgar ignored advice from two nurses and other gynaecology department staff members to admit the baby to the special newborn care unit, provide treatment, and prepare proper treatment notes," the complaint detailed. "Dr Shikalgar told them he would take responsibility for whatever happens, and after the baby's death around 10:30 PM on March 16, he collected a DNA sample on March 17 and proceeded to alter medical records to protect himself from any action."
High Court's Strong Reaction to Government Stance
At the previous hearing on April 6, the Bombay High Court expressed significant dismay over the state government's initial stance against registering an FIR, despite the court's directive on April 2 to take a decision following the inquiry report.
The bench comprising Justice Madhav J Jamdar and Justice Pravin P Patil stated, "It is unfortunate that in spite of the very serious incident, the State Government has taken a stand that the Public Health Department is of the view that FIR need not be lodged in the matter as the incident had taken place due to administrative/procedural lapses." The court subsequently sought the advocate general's appearance in the matter on April 16.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The survivor was raped in Chadchan town of Vijaypur district in Karnataka and was admitted to Satara Civil Hospital for the medical termination of pregnancy. A zero FIR was initially lodged in Satara and later transferred to Chadchan police, where a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been registered, and the accused has been arrested.
The civil hospital authorities had directed the survivor to approach the High Court for MTP permission, which she obtained on March 7. The procedure was carried out on March 16. Subsequently, the survivor approached the High Court alleging that the newborn was starved to death despite repeated pleas from her, her mother, and a child welfare officer to hospital authorities.
Doctor's Response and Legal Strategy
When contacted by media, Dr Shikalgar stated, "We will exercise all available remedies to legally contest the criminal proceeding initiated through the FIR." This indicates the suspended gynaecologist plans to challenge the charges through appropriate legal channels.
The case highlights serious concerns about medical protocols, newborn care standards, and institutional accountability in healthcare facilities. With both criminal proceedings and departmental inquiries underway, the matter continues to develop as the legal process moves forward through the judicial system.
