Bihar: Deputy Superintendent, 2 doctors suspended over alleged post-mortem irregularities

Jamui: The Bihar Health Department has suspended the Deputy Superintendent and two medical officers at Jamui Sadar Hospital for their alleged involvement in concealing crucial details in a post-mortem report linked to a custodial death.

The case relates to the death of Sidhu Koda, also known as Munshi Da, a resident of Nehaldih in the Chakai area of Jamui district, who died in police custody on February 22, 2020. Allegations later surfaced that the medical team deliberately left out significant details during the post-mortem examination and failed to document blood stains and injuries while preparing the report. 

According to a report by ETV Bharat, the matter gained attention after a judicial inquiry ordered by a magistrate examined the circumstances surrounding the autopsy and the documentation prepared by the doctors.

The magistrate’s inquiry reportedly revealed several discrepancies between the physical findings on the body and what was recorded in the official post-mortem report. The inquiry stated that blood was observed coming from the victim’s nose, ears, and mouth, and there were cut marks present on the body. However, these findings were allegedly not mentioned in the final autopsy report prepared by the doctors.

The judicial inquiry also pointed out that standard procedures were not followed during the autopsy. It stated that no independent external witness was documented during the examination, and the exact cause of death was not clearly specified in the report.

The issue eventually reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi. After reviewing the matter, the commission took serious note of the alleged negligence.

In an order dated October 29, 2025, the commission directed authorities to initiate strict disciplinary action against the medical team accused of altering or omitting details in the report.

Acting on these directions, the state health department issued suspension orders on March 10, 2026. The three doctors have been suspended under the provisions of the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 2005.

During the suspension period, their headquarters will remain at the Health Department office in Patna, and they will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per service rules.

Officials said that the suspension is an interim step and that a detailed departmental inquiry will now be carried out to examine the allegations against the doctors. The order confirming the disciplinary action was issued by Upendra Ram, Under Secretary in the state government, after approval from the competent authority.