The Thumba police have registered a case based on the family’s complaint, naming Dr Shenal Shashankan, the surgeon who performed the procedure, as the primary accused.
Published May 08, 2025 | 3:02 PM ⚊ Updated May 08, 2025 | 3:02 PM
Liposuction is a common cosmetic procedure. (iStock)
Synopsis: A 31-year-old woman lost nine fingers following a botched liposuction procedure at a private clinic in Kerala. The family claims the hospital not only acted with gross negligence but also attempted to intimidate them when they raised concerns, warning them against seeking legal recourse.
A 31-year-old woman losing nine fingers following a botched liposuction procedure at a private clinic in Kerala points to serious allegations of medical negligence. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body.
The incident, at Cosmetic Hospital in Thampuranmukku, near Kazhakoottam, in the Thiruvananthapuram district, has prompted police action and a wider investigation into the hospital’s operations.
The victim, MS Neethu, a software engineer and native of Thiruvananthapuram, underwent the cosmetic surgery on 22 February at the clinic.
According to her mother, Maya, Neetu had opted for liposuction after struggling to lose abdominal fat post-childbirth. The hospital initially quoted ₹5 lakh for the procedure. She was reluctant to go ahead, but later agreed after the hospital offered a discount.
Police have requested the District Medical Officer (DMO) to constitute a medical board to examine the case. A board has been set up and is expected to convene on Thursday, 8 May, to review the medical documents and the procedure details submitted by the police. Investigators said further action will be based on the board’s findings.
Neetu was admitted and operated on the very next day and discharged on the morning of 23 February. However, her family alleges that she soon began experiencing dizziness and extreme weakness. Despite repeatedly contacting the doctor, they were reportedly advised to manage her symptoms with home remedies like salted porridge and oatmeal.
When her condition worsened, the doctor allegedly told the family to bring her back the next morning. Upon her return, Neetu was in a critical state and required an urgent transfusion of ten units of blood. Within an hour, hospital authorities informed the family that her condition had deteriorated drastically.
In a shocking turn, the family alleges that instead of calling an ambulance, the hospital shifted Neetu to another facility in a private car. She was placed on a ventilator at another private hospital in the city, where she remained for 22 days. Due to a severe infection and complications, doctors were forced to amputate five fingers on her left foot and four fingers on her left hand.
The family claims the hospital not only acted with gross negligence but also attempted to intimidate them when they raised concerns, warning them against seeking legal recourse. The matter has since been brought to the notice of the chief minister, the health minister, and the district police chief.
The Thumba police have registered a case based on the family’s complaint, naming Dr Shenal Shashankan, the surgeon who performed the procedure, as the primary accused. Police have also found that the clinic was operating without a valid license. Authorities have since issued a closure notice.
The hospital has so far declined to comment on the allegations.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
