Pune: Katkari Tribal Youth Dies at Sassoon Hospital; Family Alleges Negligence, Authorities Deny Claims
Pune, 24th September 2025: The death of a 27-year-old Katkari tribal man at Sassoon General Hospital has sparked outrage, with family members alleging that he was denied urgent treatment, while hospital authorities maintain that he was brought in a critical condition and given immediate care.
The deceased, identified as Anil Waghmare, was admitted to the government-run hospital on Monday. His mother, Vimal Hanumant Waghmare, said that doctors at a private clinic in Khadakwasla had referred him for emergency dialysis following complications due to excessive alcohol consumption.
“We rushed him to Sassoon for urgent treatment. But for almost two hours, no one attended to him. He died right in front of me,” she alleged, recalling the traumatic moments. Eyewitnesses claimed Waghmare was seen writhing in pain on the hospital floor while medical staff allegedly failed to respond promptly.
Family members have accused the hospital of discrimination against marginalized communities. “We expected immediate attention. Instead, there was a delay, and he passed away without receiving any care,” a relative said.
The incident has triggered widespread anger on social media, with citizens tagging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and other senior leaders, demanding accountability and a probe into the alleged negligence.
However, Sassoon authorities have denied the allegations. Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon Hospital, issued a statement refuting claims of negligence.
“Waghmare was a chronic alcoholic male, presented in a very critical state with decreased responsiveness and abdominal distension for three days, along with jaundice. His lab results showed hemoglobin of 8.8 g/dL, very high bilirubin levels (9.58), and severe complications of liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly and ascites. He was immediately started on treatment in casualty, but despite all efforts, he expired within two hours of admission,” Dr. Pawar said.
The hospital maintained that the patient’s advanced condition and late arrival left little scope for recovery.
