One killed, three injured as patient turns violent

KOCHI: A patient admitted to the chronic ward of the General Hospital turned violent and killed another patient at around 2.30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Shamsu, 52, of Fort Kochi, was admitted to the hospital on complaints of cold and fever. He was later shifted to chronic ward, where patients without bystanders are admitted.

He has a history of convictions in theft cases. Hospital sources said that he might have had withdrawal symptoms after abstaining from alcohol for three days and became violent by around 1 a.m.

He attacked Joy, 83, of Chellanam, who was discharged three days back, but did not leave the hospital. The accused used the stick used by Joy to support himself, to attack him. Joy suffered a head injury and internal bleeding. The efforts made by hospital staff to save his life failed. Three others suffered minor injuries in the incident. There were 12 others in the ward at that time.

The accused tried to escape when the ward was opened by the hospital staff on hearing the commotion. He was overpowered and brought under control.

Ernakulam Town Central police registered a case in this regard and shifted the accused to its custody.