M Sumathi, 23, a tribal woman from Soolankurichi hill village in Karumanthurai, died at Attur government hospital in Salem district after her health deteriorated following a sterilisation surgery at Pethanaickenpalayam primary health centre. She had delivered her third child about 45 days before the procedure. Sumathi was referred to Attur government hospital soon after the surgery but died without responding to treatment.

More than 100 relatives and villagers, including her husband Matheawaran, 30, laid siege to the Salem district collectorate in protest, alleging that a botched surgery caused her death and demanding justice. Police held talks with the protesters, and officials assured them that a proper inquiry would be held against the doctors concerned. Police have registered a case.