NEW DELHI: The chief medical and health officer (CMHO) of Dindori has taken disciplinary action following a disturbing incident in which a five-month pregnant woman was allegedly forced to clean the hospital bed where her husband lay after succumbing to injuries. The incident, which took place at the Primary Health Center in Gardasari, prompted a public outcry and has led to the suspension of two staff members.
According to the CMHO’s order, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, the medical officer at Gardasari’s primary health center, has been reassigned to the Community Health Center in Karanjia. Additionally, Nursing officer Rajkumari and ward assistant Chhoti Bai Thakur have been suspended with immediate effect.
The CMHO, Dr. Ramesh Maravi, addressed the incident, saying, “This took place on 31 October. Following complaints from the woman’s relatives, notices have been issued to the medical officer, nursing officer, and ward assistant involved. We will forward their replies to the District Magistrate and proceed with any necessary actions.”
The case drew attention after a video surfaced showing Roshni Marawi, the pregnant widow of Shivraj Marawi, cleaning the bloodied hospital bed. Shivraj, 40, was taken to Gardasari health centre for emergency treatment following a brutal attack that left three family members dead due to a land dispute. He died shortly after his arrival.
Reports indicate that the violent attack, involving 25 assailants armed with sticks, rods, and axes, took place on 31 October in Lalpur Sani village. Shivraj, his father, and his brother were attacked over an ongoing land dispute that had been resolved in the family’s favour by a 2018 court ruling. The attackers, identified as relatives, allegedly sought revenge by ambushing the family as they approached their paddy field.
Dr. Chandrashekhar Tekam of the health centre later commented to the media that Roshni was not explicitly instructed to clean the bed but may have collected blood-stained materials to preserve evidence. Nonetheless, the viral video spurred outrage, leading to immediate disciplinary measures.
The police have arrested four suspects and continue searching for three more individuals involved.