Removed after Rajasthan hospital blaze, doctor claims warnings about ‘current leakage’ were ignored
‘Despite earlier intimations to PWD department, problem persists, causing dampness and electrical current to spread through OT walls and boards, posing serious risks to doctors, staff, and patients,’ he wrote.
Written by Parul Kulshrestha
Jaipur | Updated: October 8, 2025 03:49 AM IST
3 min read
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Charred remains after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, in Jaipur on Monday. 6 people died during the incident. (Source: ANI Video Grab)
In the aftermath of the fire at the trauma centre of Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, which claimed six lives, a hospital official has alleged that repeated warnings about safety lapses and poor maintenance were ignored by higher authorities.
Dr Anurag Dhakad, who was removed on Monday as the trauma centre in-charge, claimed that he had repeatedly cautioned senior officials about faulty electrical systems, water leakage, and unsafe construction work that had rendered the facility hazardous.
According to Dr Dhakad, his most recent warning was issued on October 3, just two days before the fire. In the letter addressed to the Medical Superintendent of SMS Hospital, he wrote, “Ongoing construction of the Neuro OT (operation theatre) on the third floor of the Trauma Centre has led to severe water leakage during rains, disrupting surgeries in the operation theatres below. Despite earlier intimations to the PWD department, the problem persists, causing dampness and electrical current to spread through the OT walls and boards, posing serious risks to doctors, staff, and patients. Immediate intervention is required to ensure safe and uninterrupted surgical operations.”
Earlier, on September 9, Dr Dhakad claimed he had raised similar concerns about electrical current leakage through the OT walls and boards, warning that the issue had disrupted surgeries and endangered staff and patients.
In another note, he highlighted that the ongoing construction of the Neuro OT had damaged the VRV system, ducts, and electrical panels, and cautioned that any further damage caused by falling debris would be the responsibility of the concerned department.
The fire broke out late Sunday night in the Neuro ICU on the second floor of the trauma centre. Six of the 11 patients on critical care support died, while 14 others were rescued from another ICU on the same floor.
Sunil Bhati, the SMS Superintendent who was also removed from the post on Monday, acknowledged that he had received the complaint. “Yes, I received the concerns raised by Anurag as it is a routine process. Then we informed the PWD department, and they visited the hospital to do necessary repairs,” said Bhati.
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Following the incident, the Rajasthan government replaced Dr Bhati and Dr Dhakad with Dr Mrinal Joshi and Dr B L Yadav, respectively. The hospital’s executive engineer, Mukesh Singhal, was suspended, while the fire safety firm’s tender was cancelled and legal proceedings were initiated against the company.
A senior official confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire and to verify whether earlier warnings about electrical and fire hazards were indeed neglected.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
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