The tragic death of a woman, Manju Sharma, at the Kullu District Hospital in Himachal Pradesh has once again triggered significant public outcry. A large-scale protest has been scheduled for this Wednesday at the Dhalpur ground in Kullu. In anticipation of the unrest, local authorities have imposed Section 163 in a 100-meter radius surrounding the regional hospital, strictly prohibiting the assembly of five or more people. To maintain order, the administration has deployed a duty magistrate at the site. Simultaneously, the social media handles belonging to activists Bunty Saraji and Sanjay Chauhan have been suspended.
Administrative Orders and Magistrate Deployment
On Tuesday, DC Kullu Anurag Chandra Sharma issued formal directives aimed at upholding law and order, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining the regular functioning of the regional hospital. This move follows reports that villagers intend to stage a sit-in protest on July 8. The DC has assigned the SDM of Kullu to act as the duty magistrate during this period. Notably, the administration has permitted the father of the deceased, Manju Sharma, to install a sound system at the Dhalpur ground for the protest.
Demands of the Protesters
Bunty Saraji and Sanjay Chauhan have called for a peaceful demonstration in Dhalpur on July 8 at 11:00 AM. Their primary agenda includes demanding a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the expectant mother, Manju Sharma. The protesters are calling for stringent administrative action against the doctors and relevant officials found guilty in the case. Furthermore, they are demanding the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs filed against the agitators.
Background of the Controversy
The incident traces back to June 21, when Manju Sharma, a resident of Balichowki in Mandi, passed away following delivery. While she gave birth to a daughter, she did not survive the procedure. Her family has accused a doctor named Anu and two nurses of medical negligence, leading to the suspension of all three staff members. Meanwhile, the Kullu police registered a case against Bunty Saraji and Sanjay Chauhan based on a complaint filed by the doctors. However, the family alleges that no case has been registered based on their formal complaint against the medical staff, which has sparked the current wave of protests.
