Amid growing allegations of medical negligence over the tragic death of a 21-year-old tribal woman and her newborn baby in Gundala of Bhadradri Kothagudem district over a week ago, a high-level inquiry has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

Controversy surrounding the incident deepened following the claims of the bereaved family members that they found an artery forceps in the ashes of the deceased woman Kunja Vanaja’s funeral pyre, prompting demands for a thorough probe into the incident.

Official sources maintained that Vanaja died of postpartum haemorrhage after giving birth to a stillborn baby through normal delivery performed by a staff nurse at the Gundala PHC on June 13.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Telangana, B. Ravinder Naik on Saturday visited Kothagudem and inquired about the incident with the officials concerned.

District Medical and Health Officer Tukaram Rathod and District Coordinator of Health Services Ravi Babu and others were present.

He inquired about the prenatal care services, referral process and all other aspects related to the incident.

According to sources, he directed the officials concerned to examine all relevant records to determine if any lapses occurred in discharge of duties by the staff.