Bhilwara medical store set on fire after 17-year-old CA student Prachi Mehta dies
Synopsis
A 17-year-old CA student's death in Bhilwara — allegedly caused by a wrongly administered injection at a local medical store — has sparked violent protests, a store fire, and demands for criminal action. With the operator absconding and four other alleged deaths being cited by protesters, this is a story of suspected unlicensed medical practice and institutional failure that goes well beyond one family's tragedy.
Key Takeaways
Prachi Mehta , 17, a CA student from Subhash Nagar, Bhilwara , died on 13 November allegedly after an injection administered at Lav-Kush Medical Store .
The store's operator, Ram Prasad , allegedly suggested the injection instead of medicines for a mild fever; he has since gone absconding .
Angry protesters set fire to the store's shutter and pelted stones on 14 November ; the store was subsequently sealed by authorities.
SHO Kailash Bishnoi confirmed Prachi's death occurred under suspicious circumstances; police are awaiting a formal complaint to initiate action.
Protesters alleged four other people had previously died after treatment at the same store, and that the operator lacked a valid licence — claims yet to be independently verified.
Tension gripped Bhilwara district in Rajasthan on Saturday, 14 November 2026, after 17-year-old CA student Prachi Mehta died — allegedly following an injection administered at a local medical store for a mild fever and cold. Angry residents set fire to the entrance of the store and pelted stones, demanding the cancellation of its licence and strict action against the operator.
What Happened to Prachi Mehta
Prachi, a resident of the Subhash Nagar area of Bhilwara, had developed a mild fever on 11 November. Her family first visited a private hospital where no doctor was available, and then went to Lav-Kush Medical Store, located opposite the Subhash Nagar dispensary, to purchase medicines.
According to the family, the store's operator, Ram Prasad, suggested administering an injection for immediate relief rather than dispensing medicines. Trusting his recommendation, the family agreed. Shortly after the injection, Prachi's condition reportedly deteriorated — her legs became swollen and blisters began appearing on her body.
She was first taken to a private hospital in Bhilwara and then referred to a facility in Udaipur. Despite receiving treatment for a day, she died on Friday evening, 13 November. Prachi was actively pursuing Chartered Accountancy (CA), with her examination scheduled for Saturday — the same day protests erupted. Her birthday was five days away, on 19 November.
Protest, Fire and Police Response
Around 3:30 PM on Saturday, a large crowd comprising family members, residents and community members, including children, gathered outside Lav-Kush Medical Store. Protesters set fire to the shop's shutter and pelted stones. The demonstration turned volatile, drawing Subhash Nagar police station personnel to the scene. Senior officials, including the Tehsildar, were also called in.
The medical store was subsequently sealed by authorities. Operator Ram Prasad reportedly went absconding following the incident.
What the Police Said
Subhash Nagar Station House Officer (SHO) Kailash Bishnoi confirmed that Prachi had died under suspicious circumstances while undergoing treatment in Udaipur. He stated that the family had alleged the medical store operator administered an incorrect injection, which led to a sharp deterioration in her health. Police have taken note of the allegations, and further action is to be initiated based on a formal complaint from the family. Prachi's body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination.
Wider Allegations Against the Store
Protesters also levelled serious allegations against Ram Prasad, claiming that four other individuals had died after receiving treatment at the same establishment in the past. They further alleged that he had been providing medical treatment without a valid licence and purportedly used political connections to intimidate people. These allegations are yet to be independently verified, and police and concerned authorities are expected to investigate the claims.
This is not the first time unlicensed medical practice at retail pharmacies has drawn public outrage in Rajasthan — the state has seen periodic crackdowns on chemists allegedly performing clinical procedures. The circumstances surrounding Prachi's death and the store's operations are now under scrutiny.
Point of View
Often in areas where the public healthcare system is underfunded and inaccessible. The allegation that four prior deaths occurred at the same store — if verified — suggests systemic failure, not an isolated incident. The speed with which the authorities sealed the store after public violence, rather than proactive licensing enforcement, raises uncomfortable questions about regulatory vigilance. The operator's alleged political connections, if substantiated, would add a further accountability dimension that investigators cannot afford to sidestep.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Prachi Mehta die in Bhilwara?
Prachi Mehta, a 17-year-old CA student from Bhilwara, died on 13 November allegedly after an injection administered by the operator of Lav-Kush Medical Store for a mild fever. Her condition deteriorated rapidly after the injection, and she passed away while receiving treatment in Udaipur.
Why was the medical store set on fire?
Angry family members and residents set fire to the shutter of Lav-Kush Medical Store on 14 November to protest Prachi Mehta's death and demand the cancellation of the store's licence and criminal action against its operator, Ram Prasad.
What action has been taken against the medical store operator?
The medical store was sealed by authorities following the protests. Operator Ram Prasad reportedly went absconding. SHO Kailash Bishnoi stated that police have noted the allegations and will initiate further action once a formal complaint is filed by the family.
What are the other allegations against Lav-Kush Medical Store?
Protesters alleged that four other people had died after receiving treatment at the same store in the past, and that operator Ram Prasad was conducting medical procedures without a valid licence. These claims are yet to be independently verified and are part of the ongoing investigation.
Who was Prachi Mehta?
Prachi Mehta was a 17-year-old resident of Subhash Nagar, Bhilwara, pursuing her Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification. Her CA examination was scheduled for 14 November — the day protests over her death broke out — and her birthday would have fallen on 19 November.
