The Payyannur police have registered a case against anaesthetist Dr. Anjali Poduval of Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyannur, Kannur, Kerala, following allegations that negligence in administering anaesthesia left a one-year-and-five-month-old child critically ill with brain damage.
The case, filed under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was registered based on a complaint filed by K. Rajeevan, a relative of the child from Eramam. The complainant alleged that the doctor’s negligence while administering anaesthesia resulted in the child suffering severe brain damage. The incident has triggered widespread protests against the hospital.
The child, Devansh Shouria, a resident of Naduvilekuni in Eramam, sustained a lip injury after falling while playing on July 5. He was taken to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyanur where doctors advised suturing the wound under anaesthesia. According to the complaint, the child became unconscious immediately after the anaesthesia was administered and was later shifted to Baby Memorial Hospital, Kannur, after his condition deteriorated.
The toddler remains in a critical condition and is on ventilator support in the intensive care unit.
The child’s family has alleged that an excessive dose of anaesthesia was administered, leading to the medical emergency. They claim the child suffered brain damage as a result of the alleged lapse during the procedure.
Meanwhile, Baby Memorial Hospital, Payyanur, has denied the allegation of medical negligence.
Hospital authorities said the child suffered a cardiac arrest immediately after the administration of anaesthesia, following which he was promptly placed on ventilator support and provided with all possible emergency treatment. They maintained that complications can occur with anaesthesia regardless of the dosage and said the hospital had taken all necessary medical measures.
The police have begun an investigation into the incident, while protests demanding action against the hospital continue in Payyannur.
Published - July 10, 2026 11:45 am IST