Home / Crime and Justice / Rage Over Death: Mob Vandalizes Cooper Hospital
Rage Over Death: Mob Vandalizes Cooper Hospital
1 Jan
Summary
- Relatives attacked emergency department staff after patient declared dead.
- The deceased's family sought a second opinion from an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- No doctors were harmed, but family members were booked for rioting.
On Wednesday night, a peaceful New Year's Eve turned chaotic at Cooper Hospital's emergency department. This followed the declaration of death for a 31-year-old woman, Sabiya Shaikh, who was brought in by her sister. Disbelief and grief quickly escalated into violence as a mob of relatives stormed the department, screaming at staff and damaging property, including windows and the registration counter.
The family's denial was so profound that, according to Juhu police, they initially removed the deceased from the hospital to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner. Upon confirmation of death from the practitioner, they returned to Cooper Hospital to allow for a post-mortem examination. The deceased's husband, an auto driver, and other family members were subsequently booked by the police for rioting and unlawful assembly.
While the incident resulted in significant property damage, authorities noted that no medical personnel were physically harmed, deeming it a minor attack. The hospital administration expressed sympathy for the grieving family but condemned the violent response. This event echoes a similar incident last month where three doctors were attacked, highlighting ongoing concerns about security for healthcare professionals.
