Patna: In a bizarre and shocking incident, tantamount to ‘denying dignity in death’, the left eye of a deceased man was reportedly missing hours after his death at a state-run hospital. Doctors suspect rats, while the man’s family alleges foul play, sparking outrage and a formal investigation.
Deceased Identified as Gunshot Victim Fantush Kumar
Fantush Kumar, a victim of a shooting by unidentified assailants on November 15, was admitted to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) in Patna. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries late Friday night. Since autopsy services were unavailable at night, his body was kept in the ICU until Saturday morning.
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Family Discovers Missing Eye During Body Transfer
During the transfer of the body for autopsy, Kumar’s family noticed his left eye was missing, with a surgical blade lying on the stretcher. “As the body was being brought from the morgue, we saw that the left eye was gone,” said a grieving family member. Alleging negligence and foul play, the family demanded accountability.
Hospital Initiates Investigation, Blames Rats
NMCH Medical Superintendent Binod Kumar Singh addressed the media, confirming the formation of a medical team to investigate the matter. “We take this issue very seriously and will ensure strict action against those found guilty,” he stated. Preliminary suspicions from some doctors pointed to rats as the culprits for the missing eye.
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Formal Complaint Filed, Autopsy Report Awaited
The hospital administration has filed a formal complaint at the Alamganj police station, and CCTV footage is being reviewed for clues. Dr. Singh stated that only the autopsy report would provide definitive answers regarding the missing eye. Meanwhile, police have questioned hospital staff, family members, and the doctors who conducted the autopsy.
Police Investigating All Angles
Rajiv Kumar, the Station House Officer of Alamganj police station, confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are underway. “We are examining CCTV footage, interviewing the medical staff, and exploring every possible angle,” he said. Notably, the deceased’s family has not filed a complaint yet.
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Outrage Over Medical Negligence
The incident has raised serious questions about hospital safety and negligence in Bihar’s medical facilities. With the autopsy report still pending, the family and public await clarity on how such a shocking lapse could occur in a state-run hospital.
DM Orders Inquiry
Taking serious exception to the incident, Patna district magistrate Chandra Shekhar Singh has ordered an inquiry into alleged tampering with the dead body without the prior consent of the deceased or the family members. He said that serious action will be taken against those found responsible for the incident.
