Karkala: Woman dies allegedly due to medical negligence; case registered against three doctors

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Dec 31, 2025: Based on a report submitted by the Udupi district surgeon in connection with an alleged case of medical negligence that occurred six months ago, Karkala city police have registered a case against three doctors of a private hospital in the city.

The deceased has been identified as Zabeeda (52). According to the complaint, Zabeeda was admitted to a private hospital in Karkala on May 10 after she complained of severe abdominal pain. Doctors at the hospital reportedly administered intravenous fluids. When her condition failed to improve, her daughter, Mubeena, requested that a doctor examine her.

It is alleged that Dr Nagaratna, who later examined the patient, informed the family that an immediate surgery was required and that Zabeeda’s life was at risk. The patient was subsequently taken to the operation theatre, where Dr Nagaratna, Dr Rahathulla and Dr Tushar were present.

Later, Dr Rahathulla reportedly informed the family that Zabeeda had died during the procedure.

Alleging that the doctors failed to provide timely treatment, did not conduct proper medical examinations and carried out the surgery negligently, Zabeeda’s daughter Mubeena filed a complaint at the Karkala city police station.

Following the complaint, a representation was submitted to the district administration seeking an inquiry into the death and the alleged negligence. Acting on this, Udupi district hospital surgeon Dr H Ashok conducted an inquiry and submitted a detailed report.

The report reportedly stated that the doctors concerned failed to take mandatory precautionary measures prior to surgery and did not adequately inform the patient’s relatives about her medical condition, despite having sufficient time to do so. It further noted that the patient died during the surgical procedure, as confirmed by the written statements of the doctors involved.

Based on these findings, the report concluded that prima facie medical negligence was evident in the surgical procedure. Accordingly, Karkala city police have registered a case against the three doctors, and further investigation is under way.