Alappuzha: Authorities have asked the doctor of the woman and newborn baby, who died following an obstetric surgery at at the Alappuzha Medical College (MCH), to go on mandatory leave.

The gynecologist, Dr Thanku Thomas Koshy, has been advised to not report for duty till the investigation in the incident is complete. The decision was taken in the meeting between the State Collector, District Police Chief and the deceased woman's family. 

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday ordered a probe into the death.

The deceased is Aparna (21), wife of Ramjith of Kainakari. The baby died on Tuesday evening. Aparna was shifted to the cardiology intensive care unit after noticing a difference in her heart rate.

However, her relatives created a ruckus at the MCH alleging a delay in notifying the cause of the newborn's death.

Relatives said they would receive the bodies only after the collector intervenes.

Meanwhile, the health minister has directed the Director of the Medical Education Department to form an expert committee and conduct an investigation into the incident and submit a report.

A five-member medical team has been constituted for this purpose.