Thrissur: A 49-year-old man died during surgery at a private hospital in Kunnamkulam, sparking allegations of medical negligence. The deceased has been identified as Ilyas Muhammed (49), a resident of Poolamtharaykkal house, Chiramennangad, Vellarakkad.

Ilyas, who was undergoing a hernia surgery, reportedly died during the procedure at Ittimani Hospital on Guruvayur Road. The surgery was conducted at 3.30 pm on Thursday, and the hospital authorities informed the family about the death by 8.30 pm.

The family alleged that the death was caused by a mistake in administering anaesthesia, and protested inside the hospital, accusing the staff of negligence and poor facilities.

Dr Vijayan Nair, who conducted the surgery, gave a written statement admitting that the death occurred due to his mistake. The hospital authorities declined to comment.

Relatives also alleged that the hospital lacked emergency facilities and that the operation theatre and surrounding areas were unhygienic. They claimed that several expired medicines were also found in the hospital.

Kunnamkulam Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation.