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Newborn Death Sparks Probe at Kerala Hospital
22 Feb
Summary
- Human Rights Commission probes newborn death post C-section.
- Investigation ordered into Nedumangad taluk hospital incident.
- Family alleges medical negligence leading to infant's death.
An investigation has been ordered into the death of a newborn shortly after a Cesarean section at Nedumangad taluk hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission initiated the probe on Sunday, February 22, 2026, following a complaint by activist Saithali Kaipadi. The District Medical Officer is required to submit a detailed report within one month.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The mother, Ranjana Krishnan, was admitted on Monday, February 16, 2026, for a third-trimester check-up. After labor did not progress, she was taken for a C-section around 2:20 p.m., and the baby died soon after delivery.
Family members alleged that complications were not communicated and that delays in the C-section procedure contributed to the newborn's death. This led to significant protests at the hospital, with the family refusing to accept the baby's body and accusing the hospital staff of negligence. In response to the protests, the Director of Health Services directed the hospital's gynaecologist and RMO, Bindu Sundar, to go on forced leave on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
