Patient dies in mental health care centre; relatives allege she was murdered

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An allegation has been raised in connection with the death of a patient at the Peroorkada mental health centre. The patient's family alleged that she was murdered. The preliminary post-mortem report and the injuries found on the body led to the suspicion of the family members.

Kollam Sooranad native Smithakumari (41) died while undergoing treatment at the mental health centre. Smithakumari, who showed mental discomfort at home, was brought to Peroorkada hospital at around 1 am last Sunday. Smitha, who was being treated in the ward, was shifted to a separate cell after she had an altercation with another patient. Smita Kumari was found lying unconscious in this cell at 5 pm on Tuesday. The post-mortem confirmed severe head injuries. She died before reaching the medical college hospital. Smitha had sought treatment at the Peroorkada mental health care centre twice. A forensic surgeon will visit the scene to arrive at a definitive conclusion about the cause of death. Peroorkarda Police is in charge of the investigation. There have already been allegations that patients are not getting adequate care due to the lack of staff at the mental health centre.