Tribal sarpanch’s death sparks protest at Bhadrachalam hospital

Tension gripped Bhadrachalam after Sidma Venkataramana, a CPI sarpanch from Dantulaboru village, died during treatment at a private hospital. His family and villagers staged protests alleging medical negligence, with one incident of arson at the hospital reception counter.

Kothagudem: Tension prevailed at Bhadrachalam following the death of a tribal sarpanch at a private hospital as relatives staged a protest in front of the hospital at Ambedkar Centre.

It was said that the deceased Sidem Venkataramana, the CPI sarpanch of Dantulaboru village in Paloncha mandal was admitted to MIMS Hospital recently. She died while undergoing treatment on Friday night.

---

Following her death the family members staged a protest in front of the hospital with the body, alleging that the negligence of hospital doctors led to her death and demanded action against them. The local police intervened and shifted the body to Government Area Hospital.

The family members resumed the protest on Saturday and a large number of villagers also joined the protest. As the hospital management failed to respond, the husband of Venkataramana barged into the hospital and set the reception counter on fire after dousing it with petrol.

The police responded promptly and controlled the fire averting danger. Later the hospital management held talks with the sarpanch’s family members to resolve the issue amicably.