27.6.24
To,
Sri N. S. Nigam, IAS
Health Secretery
Dept. of Health & FW, Govt. of West Bengal
Director General of Police
Govt. of West Bengal
Dear Sirs,
We are writing to express our grave concerns regarding the sudden, unexpected death of Dr. Anirban Datta on June 25, 2024, at 9:45 am at his present residence, as per the death certificate issued by a homeopathic physician from Berhampore, Murshidabad and which has raised several queries that demand immediate attention and action.
Key concerns include:
1. Absence of Post-Mortem Examination: The lack of a post-mortem examination in the case of an unexpected death of a 37-year-old individual is a significant deviation from standard medical and legal procedures. This single most act has jeopardised avenues to find the actual cause of death.
2. Non-Compliance with Norms relating to “brought dead or unexpectedly found dead persons”. There appears to be a clear non-compliance with established norms and regulations that should be followed in such cases, which is highly concerning. This is clear violation of the the government norms of issuance of death certificate (MCCD) vide Memo No. SBHI/2A-2-2021/11 dated 09.01.2024 which clearly states that “heart failure, respiratory failure etc” can not be mentioned as cause of death.
3. Issuance of Death Certificate: The death certificate issued states “cardiac failure” without any comprehensive medical examination, which is both clinically refutable and questionable. The concerned physician should be interrogated about his diagnosis during issuance of Death Certificate and proper procedural action should be taken.
4. Failure to Inform Legal Heirs: Dr. Datta’s son(from his previous marriage), his legal heir, and his mother, the legal guardian and custodian of Dr. Anirban’s son, were not informed in a timely manner. This has deprived them of their fundamental rights to participate in the funeral rites of the deceased causing additional emotional distress and raising many an eyebrows regarding the hasty manner of sequence of events that followed the unfortunate demise.
These irregularities have generated numerous queries and widespread concerns across various media platforms, especially social media. The lack of transparency and adherence to proper procedures has resulted in significant outcry and confusion among the entire medical community of the state as well as several sections of the public as a whole. It is pertinent to mention that apart from his professional work, Dr. Datta was highly revered and loved by numerous people for his cultural feats, benevolent activities among the poor and needy as well as standing upright as a voice of the people with respect to the right for health to all citizens.
In light of these serious concerns, it is imperative that the district and state administration, along with all relevant stakeholders, immediately order a thorough and transparent high level and time bound investigation into the circumstances surrounding the entire situation.
This investigation must aim to uncover the truth and address any and all lapses. It is essential not only for justice to be served for the departed soul but also for providing closure and support to the bereaved family members.
We urge you to take this matter with the utmost seriousness and priority and take necessary steps urgently.
We look forward to your prompt attention to this critical issue and awaiting your response on the same
We remain,
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Sanjoy Holme Chowdhury, Hony. Secretery
Dr. Koushik Chaki, Hony. President
(West Bengal Doctors Forum)
CC:
District Magistrate, Murshidabad
Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad
CMOH, Murshidabad
