Malkangiri, June 17: Tension gripped the District Headquarters Hospital in Malkangiri after the death of an eight-month pregnant woman, with her family members alleging medical negligence and assaulting the attending doctor in the aftermath of the incident.

The deceased, identified as Bandana Mandal, reportedly fell ill on Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital by her family. Relatives suspected that she had been bitten by a snake after one was spotted inside their house. They claimed that despite informing doctors about the suspected snakebite, Bandana did not receive adequate medical attention and was later allowed to return home.

According to family members, Bandana’s condition deteriorated again on Wednesday morning, prompting them to rush her back to the hospital. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival, triggering outrage among her relatives. The family questioned why she had been advised to return home earlier and alleged that timely treatment could have saved her life.

Hospital authorities rejected the allegations of negligence. The attending doctor maintained that all necessary medicines and treatment had been provided and claimed that the patient had left the hospital voluntarily with her family members. The doctor asserted that there had been no lapse in medical care.

The situation turned tense after the woman’s death, as agitated family members allegedly assaulted the doctor inside the hospital premises. Police personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. Police are examining the allegations of medical negligence as well as the circumstances surrounding Bandana Mandal’s death. The exact cause of death will be determined following the inquiry and medical examination.