Government assures fresh investigation into Manju Sharma death case; promises responsibility for newborn’s care
Munish Sood
KULLU: Social activist Bunty Saraji on Saturday ended his six-day-long hunger strike after receiving an assurance from Health Minister Dr. Dhaniram Shandil that the de*ath of Manju Sharma at Regional Hospital, Kullu, would be subjected to a fresh and impartial investigation within 15 days.
Saraji had launched an indefinite hunger strike on August 3, demanding justice for Manju Sharma and a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The protest had gradually gathered public support and put the spotlight on the functioning of the government health system in Kullu.
The hunger strike was called off after Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil interacted with the protesters through video conferencing and assured them that the government would look into their demands seriously. Following the assurance, Manju Sharma’s husband, Satish Sharma, offered juice to Bunty Saraji, formally ending the fast.
Fresh probe within 15 days
The major breakthrough came with the government’s assurance that the Manju Sharma case would be examined afresh and that a fair and impartial investigation would be conducted within 15 days.
The protesters had been questioning the findings of the earlier inquiry and demanding that all aspects of the case be examined without any bias. They maintained that merely taking departmental action was not enough and that responsibility must be fixed if negligence or lapses were established.
The government has also assured that it would take responsibility for the care and upbringing of Manju Sharma’s newborn daughter, a demand that had become an important part of the agitation.
Doctor and nurse already suspended
The controversy erupted following the death of Manju Sharma at Regional Hospital, Kullu, on June 21. The Health Department had subsequently taken disciplinary action, including the suspension of a gynaecologist and a staff nurse posted at the hospital.
However, the family and protesters remained dissatisfied with the earlier inquiry, alleging that several important questions surrounding Manju’s treatment and death had not been adequately addressed.
The protesters had particularly objected to the earlier investigation report, arguing that it did not satisfactorily answer all the questions raised by the family.
Six days of protest put pressure on government
Bunty Saraji began his indefinite hunger strike at Dhalpur Maidan on August 3, demanding justice for Manju Sharma and accountability in the case.
During the six-day protest, supporters and local residents gathered at the protest site, while political and social representatives also sought intervention from the government.
Kullu MLA Sundar Singh Thakur had repeatedly appealed to Saraji to end his hunger strike. Meanwhile, administrative officials also held discussions with the protesters in an effort to resolve the standoff.
The situation gained further attention as Saraji’s health reportedly deteriorated during the prolonged fast.
Family raises wider concerns over healthcare
During his interaction with the Health Minister, Manju Sharma’s husband also raised broader concerns regarding the functioning of government hospitals.
The family sought not only justice in Manju’s case but also stronger staffing and better healthcare facilities in government hospitals. They argued that shortages of doctors and other healthcare personnel can directly affect patient care and should be addressed urgently.
The demand for government support for Manju’s newborn daughter also highlighted the human cost of the tragedy.
Bunty Saraji: Fight is bigger than one case
After breaking his fast, Bunty Saraji thanked the people who had supported the agitation and maintained that the movement was not merely about one individual.
He said the issue was also about accountability, transparency and the quality of healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh.
The protesters, however, made it clear that ending the hunger strike should not be interpreted as the end of the campaign. The government has now been given 15 days to act on its assurances.
15-day deadline now a test for government
With the hunger strike over, attention now shifts to the government.
The crucial questions are whether the promised fresh investigation will actually be conducted independently, whether responsibility will be fixed, what concrete support will be provided to Manju Sharma’s newborn daughter and whether the concerns raised over staffing and healthcare facilities at Regional Hospital, Kullu, will be addressed.
The six-day hunger strike may have ended, but the Manju Sharma case remains very much alive. The government’s 15-day assurance has now become the next test of its commitment to justice and accountability.
