Gallantry awardee police officer dies after alleged botched treatment at Yashoda Hospital in Hitec City, case booked

Hyderabad: A 60-year-old Reserve Sub-Inspector (RSI) from Siddipet commissionerate, Tallapalli Raja Sambayya, died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. His family has alleged a ‘continuous chain of gross medical negligence’ led to his death.

The police said that a case has been registered and a team of doctors will examine the validity of the allegations.

What was the treatment about?

Sambayya, a Gallantry Medal awardee, was admitted to Yashoda Hospital’s Hitec City branch on March 7 for treatment of a long-standing gluteal lump. He died on March 20 after undergoing multiple procedures, including two surgeries on the same day and, later, a major brain operation.

Based on a complaint filed by his wife, Tallapalli Tirupatamma, police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), treating it as a suspicious death.

The body has been shifted to Osmania mortuary for postmortem, and a medical team’s report is awaited.

‘Simple condition escalated into fatal outcome’

In her complaint, Tirupatamma alleged that her husband was admitted for a non-life-threatening condition but was subjected to ‘reckless and medically unjustifiable actions.’

“My husband was admitted… for a gluteal lump… which was not a life-threatening condition,” she stated, adding that the family approached the hospital under the Bhadratha Scheme expecting strict adherence to medical protocols.

She alleged that despite disclosing his history of hypertension, diabetes and neurological concerns, doctors proceeded toward surgery without essential diagnostic tests.

“No biopsy was conducted… and no MRI or CT scan of the brain was performed… Only basic blood tests were done,” the complaint said, calling the decision to operate ‘a disregard of established medical protocol.’

Surgery done despite hypertension, claims family

According to the complaint, a planned surgery on March 9 was cancelled after Sambayya’s blood pressure reportedly spiked to 210. The anaesthesiologist warned of the risk of stroke and advised postponement.

However, the family alleged that surgery was carried out the very next day without adequate stabilisation or reassessment.

“This act demonstrates a conscious and reckless decision taken with full knowledge of the risks involved,” the complaint stated.

Post-surgery bleeding and a second operation

Soon after the first surgery, Sambayya was shifted to a general ward instead of ICU care. Within minutes, the family noticed severe bleeding.

“Blood was actively flowing… doctors identified it as a ‘spurter’,” the complaint said, alleging failure to control haemorrhage during the first procedure and delay in emergency response.

He was then taken for a second surgery the same day, which the family claims led to further blood loss, repeated anaesthesia exposure, and severe stress on his body.

Brain stroke and deterioration

After the second surgery, Sambayya was shifted to the ICU, where he remained unconscious. Brain imaging later revealed a massive stroke affecting the left hemisphere.

The family alleged that doctors denied any link between the surgeries and the stroke and delayed initiating appropriate treatment.

Over the following days, his condition deteriorated, with reported brain damage progressing from 50 to 90 per cent, eventually leading to complete brain failure.

A decompressive craniectomy was performed to relieve brain swelling, but his condition continued to worsen. He later suffered cardiac arrest and died despite 20 minutes of CPR.

Demand for criminal action

Tirupatamma has sought registration of an FIR against the doctors and hospital authorities under multiple sections, including those related to causing death by negligence.

“This entire incident is not an isolated error but a continuous and systematic chain of gross medical negligence,” she said, also raising concerns over the possible misuse of the Bhadratha Scheme and unnecessary procedures.

She further alleged that the family was repeatedly given incomplete or misleading information and pressured into consenting to procedures.

“I seek justice for my husband and accountability for the grave negligence,” she stated in the complaint.

Investigation underway

Police said the allegations will be examined after a panel of doctors submits its findings.

Investigating officer Venkata Ramana confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation is in progress.

The FIR noted that the complaint discloses prima facie allegations warranting investigation under the law.