Thrissur (Kerala), March 20 Police have launched an investigation after a woman who gave birth at home in January died, allegedly due to a lack of adequate medical care in Chavakkad, officials said on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Muhseena (37), wife of Ibrahim, a native of Edakkazhiyur near Chavakkad.
Officials at the Chavakkad police station said a case of unnatural death was registered based on a complaint lodged by one of Muhseena's relatives after she died at Thrissur Medical College Hospital on Thursday afternoon.
According to police, the family has alleged that Muhseena was denied sufficient medical treatment and was made to deliver at home, allegedly at the insistence of her husband, who works as a food delivery employee and is said to practice acupuncture.
Police said Muhseena had been pregnant eight times, of which only four children survived.
The baby born at home in January had also died, officials said.
Even after the delivery, Muhseena allegedly did not receive proper postnatal medical care and remained confined to the house, with others reportedly not allowed to meet her, a police official said.
Although health officials repeatedly attempted to visit her, Ibrahim allegedly refused to allow them entry.
Police said neighbours and relatives, after learning about her deteriorating condition, recently entered the house and shifted her to a private hospital. She was later moved to Thrissur Medical College on March 15.
According to the medical report, Muhseena died after developing sepsis, which led to organ failure, police said.
Officials said a detailed probe has been launched against Muhseena's husband and family.
Further action will be taken once the detailed post-mortem report confirming the exact cause of death is received, they added.