A 34-year-old ASHA worker died after undergoing a Caesarean section at a private hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district, with her family alleging that doctors left her abdomen unstitched after surgery and fled the hospital.

The deceased, Seema, delivered a baby boy during the procedure but later died. The incident has triggered outrage, prompting police to register a criminal case against the doctor and members of the medical team.

Family alleges doctors abandoned patient after surgery

According to a complaint filed by Seema’s husband, Dev Narayan, she was taken to a private hospital after experiencing labour pains on May 29.

The family alleged that after performing the C-section, the medical team failed to provide proper post-operative care. Narayan claimed that when his wife’s condition worsened, the doctor and staff abandoned her inside the operation theatre and fled.

He further alleged that Seema’s abdomen had been left unstitched following the surgery.

“She died after the baby was born. The hospital staff left her on the operation table and disappeared,” the husband alleged.

Doctor, staff booked; hospital sealed

Police have registered a case against Dr Naseem Ahmad and members of his medical team under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and cheating.

A nurse and a hospital helper have been arrested, while police have announced a ₹25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the doctor, who remains absconding.

Authorities have sealed the hospital and launched a detailed investigation into its operations.

Questions over qualifications and referrals

The family has also alleged that the doctor was not qualified to perform a major obstetric surgery. Police said these claims are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are additionally probing allegations of a referral network that allegedly directed vulnerable patients to private healthcare facilities.

Probe underway

Police officials said all allegations are currently under investigation and further action will be taken based on medical records, witness statements and forensic findings.

The case has raised serious concerns about maternal healthcare standards, medical accountability and patient safety in rural areas.