Police in Butwal have detained two doctors as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a 29-year-old woman during an abortion procedure, raising serious concerns about medical accountability and oversight.
The woman, identified as Geeta Pandey from Palpa, died while undergoing treatment across multiple private facilities. Authorities have taken into custody Dr DB Khatri, who runs a nursing home, and Dr Satish Rupakheti of a local clinic. Three others, including individuals linked to a pharmacy and clinic management, had already been arrested earlier.
According to police, the two doctors presented themselves at the station after being contacted and are now being questioned. Investigators are working to determine the extent of each individual’s involvement and whether negligence played a role.
The case began when Pandey visited a nursing home for a routine pregnancy check-up. She was reportedly told that her pregnancy was abnormal and was asked to return for further treatment. In the following days, she was referred between different facilities, including a pharmacy and another clinic, where the abortion procedure was carried out.
Her husband has filed a complaint accusing those involved of serious negligence driven by financial motives. He claims that he was not properly informed about the procedure and that his wife was declared dead only after being rushed to another hospital in an unconscious state.
He has also alleged that key medical documents were withheld after her death.
Police say further legal action will depend on findings from the investigation. The incident has triggered public concern over unregulated medical practices and the safety of patients seeking reproductive health services.