J&K Govt Orders High-Level Probe into GMC Rajouri Patient Death Amid Growing Public Outcry

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

FROM EDITOR DESKS 

RAJOURI, JUNE 12:- Amid mounting public pressure and sustained protests, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday constituted a high-level inquiry committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the death of a patient at Government Medical College (GMC) and Associated Hospital Rajouri.

The inquiry committee was constituted through Government Order No. 472-JK (HME) of 2026 issued by the Health and Medical Education Department. The panel has been tasked with carrying out a fair, objective and transparent examination of the circumstances that led to the death and fixing responsibility for any negligence or lapses.

The three-member committee comprises Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kalsotra, Principal GMC Udhampur, as Chairperson, Prof. (Dr.) Abdul Gani of GMC Jammu, and Dr. Narinder Bhutial, Medical Superintendent of Gandhi Nagar Hospital Jammu, as members.
The development comes in the wake of widespread public anger over the death of Nusrat Jahan, with people demanding an independent probe and action against those found responsible.

Today, youth and social activists staged a peaceful protest outside GMC Associated Hospital Rajouri, demanding a judicial and transparent inquiry into the case. Protesters welcomed the constitution of an independent committee but reiterated their demand for strict action against all officials and doctors found guilty of negligence.

A day earlier, a protest was also held in Kotranka, where residents and activists raised concerns over the incident and demanded justice for the deceased. Meanwhile, a delegation of local residents and social activists today met the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kotranka and submitted a memorandum regarding the registration of cases against four persons by police following the peaceful protest. The delegation urged the administration to review the matter and ensure that no action is taken against individuals who were exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.

According to the government order, the inquiry committee will examine all facts and circumstances leading to the incident, investigate allegations raised by the family of the deceased, scrutinize treatment protocols followed by the attending medical staff, determine whether any negligence or deviation from standard medical practice occurred, and recommend corrective measures to prevent such incidents in future.

The committee has been directed to submit a detailed report along with documentary evidence to the Administrative Department within the stipulated timeframe.

The government has also instructed the Principal of GMC Rajouri and all concerned officers and officials to extend full cooperation to the inquiry committee and provide all relevant records and documents required for the investigation.

The constitution of the high-level panel is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring accountability and addressing public concerns surrounding the controversial death that has triggered protests across Rajouri district.