Death of Ctg journo's daughter: PBI presses charges against 4 doctors

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has pressed charges against four doctors over the death of Rafida Khan Raifa, daughter of journalist Rubel Khan, at Max Hospital in Chattogram city six years ago.

PBI Chattogram Metro Unit Inspector Abu Zafar Mohammad Omar Faruque on Monday submitted the charge sheet to the prosecution wing of the city police against Dr Liaquat Ali Khan, Dr Bidhan Roy Chowdhury, Dr Debashish Sengupta, and Dr Shuvra Dev.

The inspector said the charge sheet had been filed under Sections 304(a) and 109 of the Penal Code.

According to Section 304(a), death resulting from negligence does not amount to culpable homicide or murder. Negligent or reckless death is considered less severe compared to murder and culpable homicide, as reflected in the punishment prescribed in Section 304A (which includes imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both).

Section 109 outlines the punishment for abetment when the abetted act is committed as a consequence and where no specific provision is made for its punishment. "An act or offence is considered to be committed as a consequence of abetment when it occurs as a result of instigation, conspiracy, or with the aid that constitutes the abetment."

"Soon, it will be forwarded to the court from the prosecution branch. The trial will begin after necessary formalities are completed in the judge's court," he told The Business Standard.

The tragic incident occurred on 29 June 2018, when two-and-a-half-year-old Rafida Khan Raifa lost her life allegedly due to the negligence and inefficiency of the attending doctors and hospital authorities while undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital.

Raifa's father, Chattogram Union for Journalists' Senior Vice President Rubel Khan, filed a case with Chawkbazar police station against four individuals on 20 July 2018, seeking justice for his daughter's untimely demise