Assam: Sonapur’s LNIPE students protest death of B.P.Ed student, seek probe into medical care

Students of the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Sonapur staged a protest following the death of Shruti Upadhyay, a third-year B.P.Ed student, raising concerns over the medical facilities and emergency healthcare arrangements available at the institute.

According to student sources, Shruti began complaining of abdominal pain on September 4. Students alleged that despite repeatedly reporting her condition, she was initially provided only painkillers and that her condition continued to worsen.

She was subsequently taken to Sonapur District Hospital after her condition deteriorated, according to the students. However, sources said she did not show improvement and continued to experience severe discomfort.

Students further claimed that Shruti later developed difficulty in passing urine and that her health deteriorated significantly.

She was subsequently referred to Nemcare Hospital in Guwahati for further treatment. According to sources familiar with the matter, doctors at the private hospital identified a serious complication involving her appendix.

Sources have claimed that Shruti’s appendix had ruptured. They also said she was reportedly unaware of any underlying appendix-related condition before being taken to Nemcare Hospital.

However, the exact medical cause of her death has not been officially established. The claim regarding a ruptured appendix is based on information provided by student sources, and the final cause of death would have to be determined from hospital records, medical assessments and other relevant medical reports.

Shruti died on Wednesday morning after being brought to Nemcare Hospital, according to sources.

Her death has prompted concern among students over the adequacy of medical infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms at LNIPE. Students alleged that the institute does not have a permanent full-time doctor and that doctors are available only for limited hours in the morning and evening.

The students questioned whether a premier institute specialising in physical education should have a permanent medical facility and round-the-clock access to a qualified doctor, particularly in situations requiring immediate medical intervention.

The protesters said they were not seeking to make allegations without establishing the facts. Instead, they demanded a transparent and impartial inquiry into Shruti’s illness, the treatment she received from September 4 onwards, the alleged delay in identifying the seriousness of her condition and the circumstances surrounding her transfer to Nemcare Hospital.

Students also called for an examination of the institute’s existing emergency healthcare protocols and the availability of immediate medical assistance for students facing critical health situations.

They said educational institutions must have adequate healthcare infrastructure, clearly defined emergency response procedures and arrangements for prompt referral and treatment when a student's condition becomes critical.

The protest continued at LNIPE as students raised slogans demanding justice for Shruti Upadhyay and accountability over the circumstances surrounding her death.

Students also demanded that corrective measures be taken to strengthen medical and emergency facilities at the institute so that other students and their families do not have to face a similar situation.

For Shruti’s family and fellow students, her death has left a deep sense of loss. The protesting students said they hoped that a transparent investigation would establish the facts surrounding her illness and treatment and help prevent similar incidents in the future.