A resident of MMDA Colony in Arumbakkam, the patient was unwell for the past 24 days and was under treatment at a government hospital in Tondiarpet. The hospital authorities at Stanley Medical College and Hospital claim that the patient was referred from Tondiarpet hospital on Monday and was admitted in the COVID-19 ward after complaints of breathlessness.

Resident Medical Officer at Stanley Medical College and Hospital Dr Ramesh said that the patient had tested positive for COVID-19 about a week ago. “He was under distress and had been referred to the hospital after he developed complications due to breathlessness. He was mentally unstable but we did not notice any suicidal contemplations,” said Dr Ramesh.

The local police said that a case has been filed and investigations are underway.

The hospital authorities said that the patient’s family members had not mentioned any mental trauma to the patient in the recent past.