Karkala: Karkala city police have registered a criminal case against three doctors of a private hospital in the city following a report submitted by the Udupi district surgeon in connection with an alleged case of medical negligence that occurred about six months ago. The case pertains to the death of a 52-year-old woman who died during a surgical procedure, with the inquiry report concluding that there was prima facie negligence on the part of the doctors involved.
The deceased has been identified as Zabeeda, a resident of the area. The case has been registered based on the findings of an official inquiry ordered by the district administration after a complaint from the victim’s family.
Hospital admission and initial treatment
According to the complaint filed by Zabeeda’s daughter, Mubeena, her mother was admitted to a private hospital in Karkala on May 10, 2025, after complaining of severe abdominal pain. The family alleged that despite her condition, she was initially given only intravenous fluids and no detailed diagnostic examination was carried out.
When Zabeeda’s condition did not improve, Mubeena reportedly requested that a doctor examine her mother in detail. The complaint stated that there was a delay in senior medical intervention despite the patient continuing to experience intense pain.
Surgery decision and death
It is alleged that Dr Nagaratna, who later examined the patient, informed the family that Zabeeda’s condition was critical and that immediate surgery was required to save her life. The family was reportedly told that her life was at serious risk if the procedure was not carried out urgently.
Following this, Zabeeda was taken to the operation theatre. The complaint stated that Dr Nagaratna, Dr Rahathulla and Dr Tushar were present during the surgical procedure.
After some time, the family was informed by Dr Rahathulla that Zabeeda had died during the surgery. The sudden death led the family to raise serious questions about the treatment provided and the manner in which the surgery was conducted.
Allegations by the family
In her complaint to the police, Mubeena alleged that the doctors failed to provide timely and appropriate treatment to her mother. She further claimed that proper medical examinations were not conducted before deciding on surgery and that the procedure itself was carried out negligently.
The family also alleged that they were not adequately informed about Zabeeda’s medical condition, the risks involved in the surgery or alternative treatment options. According to the complainant, the lack of clear communication and the hurried decision to operate contributed to the tragic outcome.
Inquiry ordered by district administration
Following the complaint, a representation was submitted to the district administration seeking an independent inquiry into the death and the alleged medical negligence. Acting on this request, Udupi district hospital surgeon Dr H Ashok was directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
As part of the inquiry, statements were reportedly collected from the doctors involved, hospital staff and the patient’s family. Medical records related to Zabeeda’s admission, treatment and surgery were also examined.
Findings of the district surgeon’s report
The inquiry report submitted by Dr H Ashok reportedly pointed to several lapses in the treatment process. According to the report, the doctors concerned failed to take mandatory precautionary measures prior to conducting the surgery.
The report further stated that the patient’s relatives were not adequately informed about her medical condition, the seriousness of her illness or the risks associated with the surgery, despite the doctors having sufficient time to do so. This, the report noted, amounted to a violation of standard medical protocols and ethical practices.
It also confirmed that Zabeeda died during the surgical procedure, based on the written statements provided by the doctors involved in the case.
Based on these observations, the report concluded that prima facie medical negligence was evident in the handling of the case, particularly in the pre-operative assessment and communication with the patient’s family.
Police action and investigation
Based on the findings of the district surgeon’s report, Karkala city police have registered a case against the three doctors — Dr Nagaratna, Dr Rahathulla and Dr Tushar. Police officials said further investigation is under way to determine individual responsibility and whether additional lapses occurred during treatment.
Investigators are expected to examine medical records, expert opinions and witness statements as part of the probe. Police sources said that appropriate legal provisions related to medical negligence have been invoked, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Growing focus on accountability
The case has drawn attention to issues of accountability and patient safety in private healthcare facilities. Legal experts note that while adverse medical outcomes can occur even with proper care, cases involving alleged negligence require thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether standard protocols were followed.
Healthcare activists have also stressed the need for transparent communication between doctors and patients’ families, especially in critical cases involving high-risk procedures.
Conclusion
The registration of a case against three doctors marks a significant development in the alleged medical negligence case that led to Zabeeda’s death. As the investigation progresses, authorities will seek to establish whether the lapses identified in the inquiry report amount to criminal negligence. The case underscores the importance of adherence to medical protocols, informed consent and accountability in healthcare delivery.