Published Feb 26, 2026 | 7:39 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 26, 2026 | 7:39 AM
Sanoop with his mother Valsala
Synopsis: In Kerala’s Thrissur, the eyeballs of a daily-wage worker were removed at a government medical college without the family’s consent. The 36-year-old man had sought treatment for knee pain, but later developed infection throughout his body, leading to vision loss. It is also alleged that the hospital authorities had also created fabricated documents.
As Kerala debates the alleged attack on Health Minister Veena George during a Kerala Students Union (KSU) protest and political parties trade blame across social media platforms, another tragedy has quietly surfaced from Thrissur — one that has nothing to do with slogans or security cover.
A political storm erupted in the state on Wednesday, 25 February. However, just hours earlier, an elderly mother from Thrissur had stepped forward with a far more devastating claim. Valsala, a domestic worker, alleged that her son’s eyeballs were removed without the family’s consent at the Thrissur Medical College Hospital.
Her son, Sanoop (36), had already lost his wife during the Covid-19 pandemic. Left alone to care for his aged parents and his six-year-old child, he was the sole breadwinner for the family. Today, he sits in complete darkness, dependent on the same parents he once supported for every basic need.
While the state echoes with news of protests against Health Minister Veena George and reports of alleged medical negligence, Sanoop can only listen. He cannot see the television debates, the newspaper headlines or the anger on the streets.
Valsala was surrounded by a crowd when South First contacted her. After the news came out, several political leaders visited her home in Thrikkur, Thrissur.
Recalling her experience, Valsala said that the family later went to Thrissur District General Hospital for follow-up treatment.
“To get free medicines, we needed a letter and signature from a general hospital doctor, Dr Praveen. I was anxious and, in a hurry, so I did not knock before entering his room. When I opened the door, I saw a woman handing over ₹200 to the doctor while I was waiting for our file to be signed,” she alleged.
She further claimed that when the doctor noticed her, he threw the files aside and scolded her. Valsala also alleged that the doctor did not visit her son Sanoop for three days and came only after the family paid ₹1,500 at his private clinic.
“We collected the money from neighbours and relatives who came home to visit my son,” she said.
evisceration consent form
Valsala told South First that her son first approached the Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital in July 2023 for treatment of knee pain.
He went to the hospital on a bike with his father. After being given an injection, he developed a serious infection that later spread throughout his body and eventually led to complete loss of vision.
“Our lives changed overnight after what was supposed to be a routine treatment,” she said.
Thrikkur grama panchayat representative Paulson Thekkumpeedika told South First that, apart from medical negligence, hospital authorities had also created fabricated documents.
“They altered hospital records to protect themselves, knowing they had made a mistake. The procedure was carried out so irresponsibly that there is no scope for correction. According to other doctors, the nerves around his eyes have been completely damaged,” he said.
South First accessed hospital documents, including an evisceration consent form bearing Valsala’s signature. However, when asked about it, she said it was not her signature, raising serious questions about who fabricated the hospital records.
The case took a political turn after Congress leader Anil Akkara visited Sanoop’s family at their Thrikkur residence and assured them of support. As an initial measure, he said AI-based smart glasses, costing around ₹40,000, which require special training, would be provided to help Sanoop navigate by detecting obstacles in real time.
In the meantime, Congress workers staged a sit-in protest in front of the medical college superintendent’s office, demanding strong action against the doctors allegedly involved and the removal of the doctor accused of accepting bribes.
The party has also sought immediate compensation and long-term financial aid to address Sanoop’s treatment and livelihood needs.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Secretary and Hospital Development Committee member Rajendran Arangath moved the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, calling for urgent compensation and action against those allegedly responsible for the medical lapse.
Youth Congress State Secretary Jerome John Vattakuzhy told South First that large-scale protests are being planned across the district.
Meanwhile, hospital authorities and the health department declined to comment on the matter.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
