Kannur: A tragic medical incident in Kerala has sparked a police investigation after an 18-month-old boy died nearly a week after undergoing a minor procedure at a private hospital in Kannur district. Authorities have registered a case against the anaesthetist involved while examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s treatment.
The toddler, identified as Devansh Shouria, had suffered a minor injury to his lip after reportedly falling while playing at his home in Eramam-Kuttoor panchayat on July 5. Family members rushed him to a private hospital in Payyannur, where doctors decided to stitch the wound under anaesthesia.
According to the family, the child became unresponsive shortly after the anaesthetic was administered. Despite immediate medical intervention, he remained unconscious and was shifted to the hospital’s Kannur facility for advanced treatment. After battling for five days in critical care, the child passed away on Friday night.
Following a complaint lodged by one of the family’s relatives, the Payyannur Police registered a case against the anaesthetist under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to acts that endanger human life or personal safety. Investigators are expected to examine medical records and seek expert opinions as part of the probe.
The hospital has rejected allegations of negligence, stating that the child experienced an unforeseen cardiac arrest immediately after the anaesthesia was administered. In its response, the hospital maintained that the medical team acted without delay, initiated emergency resuscitation, placed the child on ventilator support, and later transferred him to its higher medical centre for specialised treatment.
Hospital authorities also asserted that recognised clinical protocols were followed throughout the procedure and that every possible effort was made to save the child’s life. They noted that, although rare, severe complications associated with anaesthesia can occur even when standard procedures are observed.
The incident has triggered public concern, with members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staging a demonstration outside the Payyannur hospital, demanding a transparent investigation and accountability if any lapses are established.
Police officials said the inquiry remains underway, and further action will depend on the findings of the medical and forensic examination.
