Uproar in U.P. as man carries dead newborn in bag to DM’s office; Opposition alleges healthcare collapse

There was uproar in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday (August 23, 2025) after a video of a man reaching the District Magistrate (DM) office in Lakhimpur Kheri, carrying the dead body of his newborn in a bag. He alleged that the private hospital where his wife had been admitted kept raising the fee and delayed delivery, leading to the death. Opposition lashed out at the State government over the dismal condition of healthcare services and lack of regulatory oversight.

“I admitted my wife to the hospital here (Lakhimpur Kheri). They (hospital management) said normal delivery would cost ₹10,000 and C-section delivery would cost ₹12,000. As my wife’s pain increased, the charges kept increasing. By 2.30 a.m., I somehow managed to arrange the money and told them that if it was beyond their capacity, I should take my wife somewhere else. But they kept demanding more money. I told them to start the delivery and I would arrange for the rest of the money, but they clearly said that ‘first give the money, only then the operation will take place’... Meanwhile, my child died. Then they threw my wife on the road. We went to a surgeon... After that I went to the DM and he came here with me. I brought my dead child in a bag,” said Vipin Gupta, the father, speaking to local media persons. The incident occurred on Friday (August 22) at a private hospital named Goldar Hospital.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said these scenes clearly show that U.P.’s health system has collapsed with no regulatory oversight. “I have not seen such a disturbing visual in my recent memory, I have been in public life for over 28 years. The incident highlights the healthcare services’ collapse and complete lack of regulatory mechanism in Uttar Pradesh,” said Mr. Rai.

“It is the shameful reality of health services in U.P., the video of a helpless father carrying the dead body of his innocent newborn child in a bag is not just the death of a child, but the death of humanity of our administration and system. U.P. government claims world-class healthcare services but the reality is for everyone to see, this is beyond words,” said Anil Yadav, a senior U.P. Congress leader.

Amid the uproar, District administration sealed Goldar Hospital and promised better treatment for the woman. “Admitted patients are being shifted to District Women’s Hospital. On the instructions of the DM, ADM A.K. Rastogi reached Srijan Hospital, enquired about the condition of the woman. Gave instructions for better treatment. District administration is with the victim’s family,” the DM office wrote on X.