Gallantry medal awardee cop dies after alleged botched treatment at Yashoda Hitec City
HYDERABAD: A 60 year old Reserve Sub Inspector from the Siddipet commissionerate, Tallapalli Raja Sambayya, died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad on March 20. His family has alleged a “continuous chain of gross medical negligence” led to his death.
Police said a case has been registered and a panel of doctors will examine the allegations.
Admitted for gluteal lump; underwent multiple procedures
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 later underwent multiple procedures, including two surgeries on the same day and a subsequent brain operation.
Based on a complaint filed by his wife, Tallapalli Tirupatamma, police registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, treating the death as suspicious.
The body was shifted to the Osmania mortuary for postmortem. The report of the medical team is awaited.
Family alleges surgery without adequate diagnostic tests
In her complaint, Tirupatamma said 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 said. The family had approached the hospital under the Bhadratha Scheme expecting strict adherence to medical protocols.
She alleged that despite informing doctors about his history of hypertension, diabetes and neurological concerns, surgery was undertaken 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 stated, calling the decision to operate “a disregard of established medical protocol.”
Bleeding after surgery; second operation performed same day
According to the complaint, a planned surgery on March 9 was cancelled after Sambayya’s blood pressure reportedly rose to 210. The anaesthesiologist advised postponement due to the risk of stroke.
However, the family alleged that surgery was carried out the next day without adequate stabilisation or reassessment. Soon after the first procedure, he was shifted to a general ward instead of intensive care.
“Blood was actively flowing… doctors identified it as a ‘spurter’,” the complaint said, alleging failure to control haemorrhage and delay in emergency response. He was taken for a second surgery the same day.
The family claimed that repeated anaesthesia exposure and further blood loss placed severe stress on his body.
Stroke, deterioration and cardiac arrest
After the second operation, Sambayya remained unconscious in the intensive care unit. 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 appropriate treatment. His condition reportedly deteriorated over the following days, with brain damage progressing significantly.
A decompressive craniectomy was performed to relieve brain swelling, but his condition worsened. He later suffered cardiac arrest and died despite 20 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Demand for criminal action; probe underway
Tirupatamma sought registration of a First Information Report against the doctors and hospital authorities under sections 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. She also raised concerns about the possible misuse of the Bhadratha Scheme and alleged that the family was given incomplete information and pressured into consenting to procedures.
“I seek justice for my husband and accountability for the grave negligence,” she stated.
Investigating officer Venkata Ramana confirmed that a case had been registered and further investigation was in progress. Police said the allegations would be examined after the medical panel submits its findings.
