Pune: In a deeply troubling incident, 42-year-old Sonu Kaushik, a resident of Pune, passed away on Wednesday at Oyster and Pearl (ONP) Hospital, Shivajinagar, shortly before undergoing a scheduled rhinoplasty procedure. His sudden death, following the administration of anaesthesia, has sparked serious allegations from the family, who claim gross medical negligence and violation of standard medical protocols.
Kaushik, who lived at Lodha Belmondo on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, had opted for the surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum stemming from a major accident over a decade ago. Though the procedure was cosmetic in nature, his family insists it was medically necessary due to breathing difficulties. Notably, Kaushik had previously undergone several operations with no adverse anaesthetic reactions.
Tragedy struck shortly after the anaesthesia was administered. Around 2:13 p.m., Kaushik’s niece, Dr. Sheetal Sharma—a Delhi-based physician—received a call from the anaesthetist informing her of a sudden spike in carbon dioxide levels and body temperature in Kaushik, leading to a cardiac arrest. The call ended abruptly, leaving the family anxious and without clarity.
To their further dismay, a second update came not from medical personnel but from a hospital driver who had signed the consent form before surgery—a clear violation of legal and medical standards, as consent for major surgeries must come from a direct family member.
Upon her arrival in Pune, Dr. Sharma confronted the attending surgeon, who stated that the patient’s vitals had suddenly destabilized during the procedure, causing the team to halt the surgery. However, according to her, he also admitted that the hospital had not tested for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia—a rare but severe reaction to certain anaesthetic agents—and did not stock Dantrolene, the only effective antidote for the condition.
Dr. Sharma pointed out additional lapses, such as Kaushik being admitted only on the morning of the surgery with no fitness assessments or pre-anaesthetic testing. The anaesthetist involved has reportedly avoided all contact, further raising questions about transparency and responsibility.
The hospital later confirmed Kaushik experienced two cardiac arrests—one in the operation theatre and another in the ICU—despite prolonged resuscitation efforts. He was declared dead at 3:43 p.m.
The incident has sparked outrage among the family and broader public, who are now questioning safety measures in place for elective surgeries at private hospitals. Kaushik is survived by his wife and two teenage children.
A complaint has been lodged at Shivajinagar police station. Authorities have confirmed that Kaushik’s body was sent for autopsy at Sassoon General Hospital. Officials said the post-mortem findings would determine whether a formal case is filed.
As the Kaushik family mourns, they remain determined to pursue justice and accountability for what they believe was a preventable tragedy.
