A seven-year-old girl from Malavalli taluk in Karnataka’s Mandya district died on Saturday, 31 May, following a surgery at the state-run Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), triggering allegations of medical negligence from her grieving family and local villagers.

The child, daughter of farmer couple Ningaraju and Ranjitha, was admitted to MIMS on 29 May after suffering a fractured foot. She underwent surgery on Saturday and was moved to the recovery ward. Soon after, she began vomiting continuously. Despite efforts by doctors to stabilise her, she tragically passed away later that night.

Her body was shifted to KR Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The girl’s parents, joined by local residents, staged a protest outside the hospital, demanding answers and action against the medical staff involved. They alleged the doctors failed to properly monitor the child post-surgery, which led to her untimely death.

Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi confirmed that a team of doctors will conduct a detailed examination and submit a report. “Based on the findings, appropriate action will follow,” he stated.

MIMS Director Narsimhamurthy, who visited the hospital amidst the tension, appealed for calm. He assured the protestors that the hospital administration would thoroughly investigate the incident before concluding whether medical negligence occurred.