Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Aug 6: Health minister U T Khader on Thursday August 6 met Sundar Malekudiya, a Dalit youth from Neriya taluk in Beltangady who has been admitted at Wenlock hospital here, after his fingers were allegedly chopped off by his landlord some days ago.
Malekudiya complained to the minister about the negligence of nurses in the hospital. The minister in response took the staff to task and asked them to treat all patients well. "Talk to the patients humbly and help them," he told the staff.
Speaking to media persons, Khader said, "We have directed the police department to take action against the culprits. A report will be sent to the chief minister and the home minister. Prima facie, the case seems like a land dispute. The doctors here at Wenlock hospital are treating him and decision will be taken about further treatment after holding discussions.
"As he is undergoing chemotherapy for stomach cancer at AJ Hospital, coordination is required and we will discuss whether doctors of AJ Hospital could come to Wenlock to treat him or if he should be shifted to AJ Hospital. Our priority is to provide the best treatment to him," he added.
Speaking to media persons, SP Sharanappa said, "In 1999 one case was registered by Sundar Malekudiya against the accused Gopal Gowda and he was convicted. Thereafter, in the past 16 years no complaint was registered until this incident happened. In this case we have already arrested two persons while three others are absconding. It seems like they know how police operate, so they are not contacting any relatives and their cell phones are off. Our teams have visited 10 to 15 districts in the state and are making all efforts to nab the culprits."