JODHPUR: In a swift turn of events in the mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, police arrested compounder Devi Singh Rajpurohit on charges of medical negligence, only to release him on bail the same day. The incident has reignited scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the spiritual leader’s demise at her Jodhpur ashram.
Sadhvi Prem Baisa, a revered figure, passed away on January 28 at her Aarti Nagar ashram in Boranada. Family members reported she was suffering from cold, cough, and breathing difficulties. They summoned Devi Singh Rajpurohit, a local compounder, for treatment. He administered two injections, after which her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Rushed to Preksha Hospital on Pal Road, doctors pronounced her dead upon arrival. Her father, Veer Nath, brought the body back to the ashram. Police took custody, conducting a postmortem at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital the next day. The body was handed over that evening, and last rites were performed in Barmer on January 30.
Nearly 20 days later, on February 16, Boranada police registered a case against Rajpurohit for negligence. He was arrested on February 19 but released after posting bail. DCP West Vineet Bansal confirmed the bailable nature of the charges, noting all procedures were followed legally. If convicted, Rajpurohit faces up to two years in prison.
Forensic samples from internal organs were sent for analysis on February 2, with the FSL completing tests in 11 days. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned the family, ashram staff, cook, compounder, and hospital employees. Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash revealed the primary cause as cardiac arrest due to severe lung disease, but highlighted Rajpurohit’s alleged violation of medical protocols—a grave lapse.
The probe continues, with future actions hinging on court proceedings and expert medical opinions. This case underscores the critical need for stringent oversight in informal medical practices, especially for vulnerable figures like ascetics.