BENGALURU — A Bangladeshi woman has claimed that a private hospital in Bengaluru kept her deceased husband’s body for eight days while demanding a ₹35 lakh payment, prompting intervention from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and a police investigation.
Allegations and Hospital Response
The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, filed a complaint with the Bengaluru City Police on 18 September 2026 after her husband, a migrant worker from Bangladesh, died in the city’s St. John’s Medical Centre. According to the complaint, the hospital’s administration refused to release the body until a payment of ₹35 lakh was made, citing an outstanding bill for medical services rendered.
She said the body was kept in a refrigerated storage unit for eight days, during which she was unable to arrange a burial. The hospital’s spokesperson, speaking to the press, denied that any body was withheld and said the delay was due to “administrative processing” of the deceased’s identification documents. The spokesperson added that the hospital had not received any formal payment request from the family.
High Commission Intervention
The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi issued a statement on 20 September 2026, expressing concern over the incident and urging the hospital to release the body immediately. The statement also requested the Karnataka State Government to investigate the matter and ensure that the rights of foreign nationals are protected in Indian medical facilities.
In response, the Bengaluru City Police opened a formal inquiry under Section 154 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the unlawful detention of a corpse. The police also requested the hospital to provide a detailed account of the billing and the status of the body’s release.
Broader Context of Bangladeshi Nationals in Bengaluru
The incident follows a series of reports involving Bangladeshi nationals in Bengaluru. Earlier this month, The Hindu reported that a pregnant Bangladeshi woman was detained in a police station after being denied entry into India. The woman gave birth to a child while in custody, and police provided medical care before the authorities arranged for her deportation. The Siasat Daily covered a separate case where a Bangladeshi woman and her newborn were assisted by police before being sent back to Bangladesh after a brief detention.
These cases highlight the challenges faced by Bangladeshi migrants in India, including issues of legal status, access to healthcare, and the treatment of their families after death. The High Commission has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi citizens in India, especially in situations involving medical emergencies and legal disputes.
Legal and Administrative Follow‑Up
The Karnataka State Medical Council has been notified of the complaint and is expected to review the hospital’s billing practices and compliance with the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. The council has previously issued guidelines on the handling of deceased patients and the responsibilities of private hospitals in such cases.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s management has agreed to cooperate with the police investigation and has offered to provide all relevant documents, including invoices and correspondence with the deceased’s family. The hospital also stated that it will review its internal procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of 26 September 2026, the police have not yet released a formal statement on the outcome of the investigation. The High Commission has requested that the matter be resolved within 48 hours to avoid further distress to the family and to maintain diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
