MALKANGIRI: A doctor at the Malkangiri district headquarters hospital (DHH) was reportedly assaulted by the family members of a pregnant woman who died while receiving treatment for a suspected snakebite on Wednesday.

The attack on Dr. Sidhant Adarsh (30) has sparked a strong reaction from the Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA), which has threatened to initiate a statewide protest if no action is taken against the assailants within the next 48 hours.

Sources indicate that Bandana Mondal (29), from MV-43 in the Malkangiri block, was admitted to the DHH late Tuesday night after allegedly suffering a snakebite and was treated by Dr. Sidhant. Unfortunately, she passed away on Wednesday. Upset by the death of the seven-month pregnant woman, her family members and local villagers reportedly attacked Dr. Sidhant on the hospital grounds, accusing him of negligence.

Family members claimed that although Bandana repeatedly stated she had been bitten by a snake, the doctor initially did not observe any visible fang marks and only provided medication to alleviate vomiting. They further alleged that the anti-snake venom (ASV) was administered later, after which her condition worsened, leading to her death.