TV actress Chethana Raj, known for her roles in popular Indian soap operas, has passed away from unexpected complications during a fat removal surgery at a private hospital.
The star was just 21 years old.
According to several news outlets, she was admitted to a hospital that specialises in plastic surgery in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Monday.
It is understood that she then developed complications, with fluid starting to accumulate in her lungs.
Raj later passed away after a cardiac arrest after doctors reportedly attempted CPR for 45 minutes.
She was known for her work in television series including Geetha, Doresaani, and Olavina Nildana, as well as her role in the Kannada film Havayaami.
Several outlets reported that Raj didn’t inform her parents about the surgery, who instead went to the hospital with her friends.
When her surgery didn’t go as planned, she was rushed to another hospital for treatment.
Raj’s father, K Varadaraj, told The Indian Express that she asked him for permission to have the surgery, but he “declined to give permission and told her that such a surgery was not necessary”.
“But she went ahead with the surgery and died owing to negligence,” he said.
“How did the centre conduct surgery without taking consent from the parents or guardians?”
Raj’s father also told The Tribune he will be pursuing legal action against the hospital where the surgery was conducted.
“My daughter was hale and hearty. She was absolutely fine. She had gone to hospital with her friends,” he told the publication.
“Someone has suggested to her that she had more fat in the waist and without consulting any family member she had come for the surgery.”
Raj’s uncle Rajappa told IndiaToday.in someone had told her “to reduce weight as she appeared fat”, prompting her to go to the hospital.
“The hospital is not equipped with an ICU and the surgery was done,” Rajappa said.
“After the surgery, water accumulated in her lungs.
“Later, they shifted her to another hospital nearby where she was declared ‘brought dead’.”
Image: Twitter
