A three-year-old child undergoing treatment for blood cancer allegedly died at AIIMS Bhopal after being injected with formalin, a toxic chemical commonly used to preserve tissues and biopsy samples, instead of prescribed medication. The incident, which occurred in December 2025, has triggered a criminal investigation and raised serious concerns over hospital safety protocols.
The deceased child, identified as Sarthak Yadav, was a resident of Kaurja village in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. He had been admitted to the paediatric ward of AIIMS Bhopal on December 15, 2025, for treatment of blood cancer and was under intensive medical care.
Family Alleges Nurse Injected Formalin Through IV Line
According to Sarthak’s father, Siddharth Yadav, the fatal incident took place on the morning of December 17 when the child’s intravenous (IV) line reportedly became blocked.
He alleged that a nursing officer on duty picked up a syringe marked with the letter “F” and injected its contents into the IV bottle without verifying the substance.
“My son had cancer and was being treated at AIIMS. A nurse came to clear the blocked IV line. She picked up a syringe marked with an ‘F’ and injected it into the IV bottle. I tried to stop her three times, but she told me, ‘Am I the doctor here, or are you?’ Soon after that, my son lost consciousness,” Siddharth Yadav claimed.
The family said the child’s health deteriorated almost immediately after the injection. He reportedly became unconscious and was rushed to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where doctors attempted resuscitation.
Despite emergency efforts, Sarthak was declared dead at 8:45 am.
Family Claims Hospital Staff Tried To Remove Evidence
The grieving family has also alleged that hospital staff attempted to remove the IV bottle after the child’s condition worsened.
Siddharth Yadav claimed he managed to hold onto the bottle briefly before it was allegedly taken away by hospital personnel.
“The doctor told me there was only a 50-50 chance of survival. When I went to question the nurse, the bottle was taken away from me,” he alleged.
AIIMS Internal Inquiry Holds Nursing Staff Responsible
An internal inquiry conducted by AIIMS Bhopal reportedly concluded that the direct cause of Sarthak’s death was the intravenous administration of formalin.
The probe found serious lapses in handling hazardous chemicals and fixed responsibility on nursing staff for gross negligence.
According to the inquiry findings, formalin intended for preserving a biopsy sample had been drawn into a syringe and left unattended in the ward.
The report named nursing officer Madhubala Sharma as the person who allegedly administered the formalin injection. Another nursing officer, Anuka Gujarati, was held responsible for failing to ensure safe storage and handling of the chemical.
Police Register Criminal Case Against Two Nurses
Based on the findings of the inquiry, Bagsewania police in Bhopal have registered criminal cases against both nursing officers.
Madhubala Sharma has been booked under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing death through negligence.
Anuka Gujarati has been charged under Section 286 of the BNS for negligent handling of a hazardous substance.
Confirming the development, Bagsewania police station in-charge Amit Soni said authorities are searching for both accused nurses.
“We have registered a case against both nurses. AIIMS management has suspended them after the inquiry concluded that the child’s death was caused by formalin administration,” he said.
AIIMS Takes Action
Following the inquiry, AIIMS Bhopal has removed both nursing officers from duty and initiated disciplinary action.
The incident has sparked outrage among medical professionals and the public, with questions being raised over hospital safety measures, handling of hazardous chemicals and monitoring protocols in critical care wards.
What Is Formalin?
Formalin is a solution of formaldehyde dissolved in water. It is widely used in hospitals, pathology laboratories and medical colleges to preserve tissues, biopsy samples and cadavers for examination and research.
The chemical is highly toxic to humans and is not meant for therapeutic use. Accidental exposure or administration into the human body can lead to severe organ damage, poisoning and death.