Protests erupt in Butwal following woman's death during abortion procedure

Butwal. Relatives of Gita Pandey, from Bagnaskali Rural Municipality-2, Palpa, have padlocked several health institutions in Butwal following her death during an abortion procedure.

Following her death on Sunday evening, relatives padlocked Khatri Medical Hall, Indulekha Clinic, and Zonal Pharmacy in Butwal today. Demanding action against those responsible, they also briefly blocked the East-West Highway in the Chauraha area.

Gokul Pandey, a relative of the deceased, stated that the protest was called off after police committed to bringing the culprits to justice.

The deceased, Gita Pandey, was approximately 12 weeks pregnant. On 5 Baishakh, she visited Khatri Nursing Home in the Itabhatti area of Butwal with her husband after being informed that the pregnancy was unhealthy. She had previously undergone a check-up at the same facility on 27 Chaitra.

Dr. DB Khatri of the nursing home had advised her to return on 4 Baishakh, citing an abnormal pregnancy. On 5 Baishakh, Khatri Nursing Home reportedly referred her to Zonal Pharmacy Clinic with a location map. She was subsequently taken to Indulekha Clinic, where she died during the abortion procedure.

The body is currently being held at Lumbini Provincial Hospital. Following the incident, the victim's husband, Prakash Pandey, filed a formal complaint against five individuals at the Area Police Office, Butwal.

The complaint names Dr. DB Khatri, Dr. Satish Rupakheti, Sandhya Basnet (proprietor of Zonal Pharmacy), Nilam Gharti Magar (Zonal Pharmacy), and Khagendra Prasad Pandey (proprietor of Indulekha Clinic) as suspects and demands legal action.

According to DSP Nishant Shrivastava, Chief of the Area Police Office, Butwal, Sandhya Basnet, Nilam Gharti Magar, and Khagendra Pandey have been arrested and an investigation is underway. Police stated that the process to arrest the two doctors is also ongoing.