Man dies outside Mysuru hospital after wife delivers baby, reportedly unable to afford dormitory fee
Mysuru: In a heart-wrenching incident, a 41-year-old man died in his sleep outside Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru, where his wife was admitted for delivery. He spent three nights braving the cold as he was reportedly unable to afford shelter in the hospital dormitory. His lifeless body was found in the hospital’s courtyard on Monday morning.
His wife, Ashwathamma, had delivered a healthy baby boy via Caesarean section on Saturday. While she rested in the hospital’s ICU with their newborn, Shivagopalaiah found himself sleeping outdoors, unable to afford the nominal Rs 30 fee for the dormitory facility meant for caregivers and attendants.
Ashwathamma is reportedly unaware of her husband’s death.
Superintendent of Cheluvamba Hospital R. Sudha stated that both the mother and child were doing fine but remained in the ICU. With no other relatives present, Shivagopalaiah was caring for them alone. Although attenders sleep in the dormitory, he likely chose to stay outside the hospital in case of an emergency call.
A fellow attendant, who had befriended Shivagopalaiah during his hospital stay, noted that his struggles were evident from the start, mentioning that he had no money, not even for a meal.
Director of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) KR Dakshayini said that the cause of death would be known only after the post-mortem report is submitted.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
