9-year-old's hand amputation: Palakkad police register case against district hospital doctors
Vinodhini’s family had lodged a complaint with the police on November 4, following which her mother’s statement was recorded.
Vinodhini’s family had lodged a complaint with the police on November 4, following which her mother’s statement was recorded.
Vinodhini’s family had lodged a complaint with the police on November 4, following which her mother’s statement was recorded.
Palakkad: The Palakkad Town South Police on Thursday registered a case against district hospital doctors in connection with the alleged medical negligence of nine-year-old Vinodhini, which led to the amputation of her hand. The case was registered under Section 125(b) (causing grievous hurt by rash or negligent act) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“Based on a complaint from Vinodhini’s family, an FIR has been registered against identifiable doctors. Once the investigation progresses, the names of the accused doctors will be added,” said the Palakkad Town South SHO. The family had lodged the complaint on November 4, following which the police recorded her mother’s statement.
According to the FIR, Vinodhini, a Pallassana native, fell in front of her house while playing on September 24, 2025, around 5.30 pm, and fractured her right arm. She was taken to the Palakkad District Hospital, but due to lapse in medical treatment, her hand had to be amputated at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on September 30.
According to her family, Vinodhini had a small coin-sized wound along with the fracture, which the doctors at the Palakkad District Hospital ignored. In the days that followed, her condition worsened. The swelling increased, the colour of her hand changed, and a foul smell began to emanate from under the plaster. Her parents then took her to Kozhikode Medical College for further treatment. "Doctors informed us that the damage to her hand was irreversible and that amputation of her right forearm was necessary to save her life," her parents told Onmanorama. Vinodhini later underwent another surgery to prevent infection.
Following widespread outrage and media attention, the state health department suspended two doctors of Palakkad District Hospital, Junior Resident Dr Mustafa and Junior Consultant Dr Sarfaraz, pending an inquiry under the Kerala Civil Services (CCA) Rules. The action came despite the hospital’s claim that there was no negligence. The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) condemned the suspension, terming it an attempt to appease public sentiment.
Despite undergoing five surgeries and spending over a month in the ICU, her family says they have yet to receive any financial assistance or concrete support from the state government. “We received many promises from officials and politicians in the beginning, but nothing has been done so far,” said her father, Vinod, who was the sole breadwinner of the family through daily wage work. The family is struggling to afford basic expenses like food and utilities. Vinod and Praseedha live in a rented shed along with their three children.