Wrong Kidney Removed, Woman Dies: NCDRC Calls It ‘Medical Disaster’, Orders ₹2 Crore Compensation
Brief By Newsbrief / 12:54 PM on 23 May 2026
A disturbing case of alleged medical negligence from Uttar Pradesh has once again highlighted serious concerns regarding patient safety and accountability in healthcare. Nearly 12 years after the incident, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed a doctor to pay ₹2 crore compensation to the family of a woman who died after the wrong kidney was removed during surgery.
The victim, identified as Shanti Devi, had approached doctor Rajeev Lochan in 2012 after suffering from severe abdominal pain. Medical examinations reportedly confirmed that her right kidney was badly damaged and needed to be removed, while her left kidney was completely healthy. Her family expected the surgery to improve her condition, but events took a tragic turn after the operation.
On May 6, 2012, doctors claimed to have removed the diseased right kidney. However, when Shanti Devi’s health failed to improve, further medical tests were conducted. CT scans and radiological examinations in June 2012 reportedly revealed that the damaged right kidney was still inside her body, while the healthy left kidney had been removed instead. The revelation shocked the family and led to allegations of gross medical negligence.
During the hearing, the doctor reportedly admitted that although the incision was made on the right side, the left kidney was removed. The commission termed the incident one of the rarest and most shocking examples of negligence.
Following the incorrect surgery, Shanti Devi remained on dialysis for nearly two years before passing away on February 20, 2014. The commission observed that she could have survived longer if the healthy kidney had not been removed.
The Uttar Pradesh Medical Council and the Medical Council of India also found the doctor guilty of negligence, leading to suspension of his registration for two years. The NCDRC ordered compensation for medical negligence, emotional suffering, and legal expenses.