Imphal | Tension erupted at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal after a 25-year-old woman died hours after childbirth, with her family alleging medical negligence. Relatives of the deceased staged a protest and allegedly vandalised hospital property, while refusing to collect her body until their demands are addressed.

The deceased, Thokchom Ongbi Binaroi, a resident of Keishampat Jailor Leirak in Imphal West district, died in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on October 13, hours after giving birth. During the protest, relatives allegedly damaged chairs, window panes and flower pots on the hospital premises. The family has demanded an apology from the doctors concerned and accountability for what it claims was negligence in the treatment of the woman.

Binaroi’s husband, Thokchom Marson, said she was admitted to RIMS on Monday following the advice of a consultant. However, her condition subsequently deteriorated, and she underwent emergency surgery around midnight. Marson alleged that the main consultant was absent during the operation and claimed that his wife remained in the operating theatre for an extended period. He also said she was administered three bottles of blood during the procedure.

According to the husband, doctors had assured the family that there were no complications before the surgery. However, Binaroi allegedly suffered severe bleeding after the operation and was shifted to the ICU.

She was declared dead at around 1 pm on October 13, Marson said.

The family has refused to collect her body, insisting that the medical team acknowledge the alleged negligence and issue a formal apology. RIMS authorities have not issued a statement on the incident so far. The allegations of medical negligence have not been independently verified, and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain unclear.