BY ADITI MISHRA
Following a viral video showing a stray dog with what appeared to be a newborn in its mouth at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), in Palamu, Jharkhand, the investigation began on October 27.
Initially, reports suggested authorities struggled to find the dog or understand what had happened to the infant. However, an investigation into the matter has since found the remains were from an eight-month-old fetus from an abortion at the nearby private hospital, and authorities from the district administration have sealed off the institution along with an attached ultrasound centre.
An investigation is being carried out to determine how the remains ended up on the government hospital grounds and if proper protocols were followed.
The incident came to light after a video appeared online showing what appeared to be a stray dog with a small body in its mouth whilst on the hospital grounds.
Palamu Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Sekhawat and Superintendent of Police Kapil Chaudhary led the initial investigation as officials searched the area around the post-mortem house and bushes. However, initially there was little information available regarding the dog or the remains.
Officials were instructed to look through CCTV footage, talk to hospital staff and residents, and ask for help from the police dog squad.
Later, the district administration looked through CCTV footage from a nearby private hospital, around 100 metres away from the MMCH.
The footage showed two women leaving the hospital with a bag around 5:12 am and entering onto the hospital grounds heading towards the post-mortem house. An hour later, they re-entered the hospital without a bag.
The investigation found that the fetus was from an abortion carried out on a 16-year-old girl from the Palamu district last night, and the remains were allegedly dumped on the MMCH grounds.
As a result, authorities have sealed off the private hospital and attached ultrasound centre. Officials are looking into the circumstances and whether any protocols were not followed.
According to medical, legal, and safety guidelines, fetuses and human remains should be handled and disposed of safely and responsibly. This ensures cleanliness of healthcare facilities while making sure that humans are treated with dignity and respect.
Investigators are looking deeper into the incident to determine if the protocols were followed strictly and how the remains ended up on the hospital floors.
The investigation will also determine who was involved in moving and disposing of the remains.
The incident has raised questions about the security and safety of the MMCH, hospital premises with human remains should have strict surveillance.
Appropriate waste management systems, safe storage for human remains, and keeping stray animals away from sensitive areas will ensure hygiene and patient safety.
The need for cooperation between healthcare facilities and local authorities when human remains are discovered was highlighted.
After an investigation, nearby ultrasound centres and private hospitals are ordered to be in lockdown by Palamu district authorities.
Officials are examining CCTV and evidence to see how the remains were moved and placed on the MMCH premises. If any negligence or breach occurs, responsibility will be identified. Further findings will help identify what happened and if further legal action is required.
(Rh/AM)