Tanisha Bhise death: Maharashtra Congress demands judicial probe over death of pregnant woman at Pune hospital
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshavardhan Sapkal met the family of Tanisha Bhise, a pregnant woman who died allegedly after she was denied treatment at a Pune hospital. Sapkal said a retired judge-led SIT should thoroughly investigate the matter.
Tanisha Bhise lost her life after being denied treatment by Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune due to lack of money. Her death is effectively a sacrifice taken by the hospital. This charitable hospital has violated its own conditions, but the government is dragging its feet when it comes to taking action. There is an attempt to protect those responsible at Mangeshkar Hospital. The hospital’s board of directors should be dissolved and the government must take over the hospital. A case of culpable homicide should be filed against Dr Kelkar and the hospital's trust board, and a full SIT investigation led by a retired judge should be initiated, demanded Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshavardhan Sapkal on Friday.
On Friday, on the occasion, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jayanti, Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal visited Phule Wada in Pune to pay homage, followed by a condolence visit to the Bhise family. Speaking at a press conference later, Sapkal said: “Lata Mangeshkar’s magical voice once mesmerized everyone, but now it’s a case of ‘who were you, and what have you become?’ What happened is extremely tragic. A pregnant woman was made to wait for five and a half hours and was denied treatment for lack of money. To thoroughly investigate the matter, the hospital’s CCTV footage must be seized. The CDRs (call detail records) of the deceased’s husband and Dr Kelkar must also be obtained. Charges should have been filed immediately, but the government continues to delay,” Sapkal said.
“What transpired at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital is inhuman and a blot on humanity. Despite such a grave incident, the hospital administration and doctors show no shame. There is suspicion that the administration is trying to suppress the matter," he charged.
Sapkal said the entire sequence of events was disheartening and it was "deeply sorrowful" that such incidents occur even as the country celebrates the Amrit Mahotsav of independence. "Dr Kelkar appears to be involved in this case. He should be dismissed and charged with conspiracy. He picked up the phone once but ignored all further calls. How can a responsible person behave like this? His CDR must be examined. The government appears to be trying to cover up the incident. The incident is tragic, and today, we met the Bhise family to offer support,” Sapkal added.
India