Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 12 July 2024
The last rites of Mrs. V Vimla, a 21-year-old who tragically lost her life due to alleged medical negligence at G.B Pant Hospital on 6 July 2024, was held today at the Junglighat Crematorium. A large gathering of community members and relatives assembled to pay their final respects.
Mrs. Vimla’s body was transported from G.B Pant Hospital Mortuary to the Junglighat Crematorium, accompanied by a significant procession of mourners. Among those present at Junglighat Crematorium to honour her memory were Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Mr. Keshav Chandra, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration; and Mr. Arjun Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman District, along with other elected representatives and local politicians.
The atmosphere at the crematorium was charged with emotion as Mrs. Vimla’s body was cremated according to Hindu traditions. She leaves behind her husband and a toddler, making her untimely death particularly poignant for the community.
Mrs. Vimla’s death has sparked widespread outrage and protests, with community members demanding justice. Protesters have called for compensation for her family, a job for her husband, a thorough investigation into the alleged medical negligence, and strict action against those responsible. During these protests, tensions escalated, leading to the use of force by authorities as demonstrators blocked roads at critical junctions in the city, including Goalghar and Bengali Club.
Her death has become a somber reminder of the urgent need for improvements in the healthcare system in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting the community’s call for better medical facilities and accountability.