Four Kerala Doctors Booked Over Alleged Negligence in Child’s Rabies Death Case

A case has been registered against Four government doctors , including a hospital superintendent, in connection with the death of a seven-year-old girl who succumbed to rabies following a stray dog attack , with police launching a detailed probe based on a magistrate court order.

The victim, Niya Faisal of Pathanapuram, was bitten by a stray dog near her residence in Punalur on April 8, 2025, while playing outside her home. She was first taken to a nearby clinic and then shifted to the Punalur Government Taluk Hospital , where she received initial anti-rabies treatment, including vaccination. Despite this, her condition deteriorated, and she was later referred to the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, where she died on May 5, 2025.

Following her death, the family alleged serious medical negligence , claiming that proper post-exposure treatment protocols were not followed, particularly regarding the administration of rabies immunoglobulin , which is critical in severe bite cases. They also alleged delays and lapses in emergency care at the hospital.

The complaint was later moved to a magistrate’s court, which directed police to register a case and investigate the matter.

Acting on the court order, Punalur police booked Hospital Superintendent Dr K R Sunil Kumar , along with Dr Devi Lekshmi, Dr Anjitha, and Dr Jayasurya. The FIR reportedly includes charges under provisions related to causing death by negligence , destruction or suppression of evidence , and common intention among accused persons .

According to details emerging from the investigation, the superintendent is also alleged to have provided incomplete information in response to an RTI query regarding the child’s treatment, with suspicion of attempts to shield other accused doctors.

Preliminary medical discussions cited in reports suggest that despite vaccination, rabies may have progressed due to possible nerve involvement from the bite site , which can accelerate viral spread before antibodies become effective.

Officials confirmed that the investigation is in its initial stage , and statements from the accused doctors will be recorded in the coming days. No arrests have been made so far, and no expert committee report has yet been released.