Protest erupts over alleged abuse of female body in hospital morgue

2026-03-04 - 04:37

A group of estate workers staged a protest yesterday (March 03) against the administration of the District Base Hospital Dickoya, alleging that the body of a young woman kept at the hospital morgue had been sexually abused by 03 members of the hospital staff. The body belonged to a 23-year-old woman who had been placed at the morgue pending a post-mortem examination. The deceased, identified as S. Harini, residing in the Abbotsleigh Estate within the Hatton Police Division, had died on Feb. 23 following a family dispute. After preliminary inquiries, officers of the Hatton Police submitted the body to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) at Dikoya Hospital for post-mortem examination. The remains were subsequently placed in the hospital morgue. It is alleged that during the early hours of the following morning (Feb. 24), 03 hospital employees entered the mortuary, forcibly broke open the locks, and removed the clothing from the body. The morgue attendant reportedly lodged a complaint with the Hospital Director regarding the incident. Relatives of the deceased have also sought clarification from the hospital administration. Claiming that no action had been taken by hospital authorities, regional leaders of a major estate trade union and estate workers staged a protest on the Hatton-Bogawantalawa main road in front of the hospital, demanding accountability. Accordingly, the OIC of Norwood Police stated to the Hospital Director, Dr. M.S. Fazeel, that upon learning of the allegations, CCTV footage had been reviewed, which reportedly showed 03 staff members entering and exiting the mortuary. In response, a 03-member committee comprising specialist doctors has been appointed to conduct an internal inquiry, with investigations commenced on March 03. The Hospital Director assured that the inquiry would be impartial and that maximum disciplinary action would be taken if misconduct were established. However, protesters expressed concerns regarding the safety of female patients and stated that they lack confidence in an internal committee investigation. They insisted that a separate police investigation be conducted. Responding to demands that the 03 employees be taken into police custody, the Hospital Director stated that a formal complaint would be lodged with Hatton Police to seek appropriate legal action. Meanwhile, the relatives of the deceased have requested that the body be exhumed for a fresh post-mortem examination in connection with the alleged incident.