High Court orders SIT probe into complaint that woman lost nine fingers due to medical negligence

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ordered a further investigation by a special team of the Crime Branch into a case in which a woman allegedly lost nine fingers following complications after cosmetic surgery. The order was issued by Justice G Girish while allowing a petition filed by Neethu, a software professional from Muttathara in Thiruvananthapuram. She had alleged medical negligence during treatment at a cosmetic treatment centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

The police had earlier approached the court seeking permission to close the case, as district and state-level expert committees had not confirmed the allegations of medical negligence and lack of proper follow-up treatment. Neethu then approached the High Court seeking an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). She also pointed out that the loss of her fingers had left her unable to work.

The court observed that performing such a complex surgery at a treatment centre that functioned only as a day care centre amounted to a serious lapse. It also noted that the failure to provide medical assistance when the woman's blood pressure dropped after the surgery, along with the absence of basic facilities such as an ambulance, had aggravated the situation. The court clarified that, in the absence of sufficient evidence, criminal charges could not be initiated against the doctors at this stage. However, these aspects could be examined through civil proceedings to seek compensation for the loss suffered by the woman.

The High Court ordered further probe by the Crime Branch after rejecting the report earlier submitted by the police. The court directed that the SIT be formed within two weeks and that the investigation be completed and a report submitted within six months.