The baby's parents claim that his fingers were bitten by rats when he was placed in neonatal intensive care unit a few days ago.
Three health officials have been suspended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, after a newborn baby died allegedly due to being bitten by a rat in a state run hospital, as protests by civil society continue in Guntur city demanding action against the medical staff.
The chief minister ordered the suspension of the officials last night, also asking the health secretary to investigate the matter and submit a report to him within 48 hours.
Mr Naidu said on Twitter, "Shocked and deeply disturbed after learning that a baby boy died after bitten by rats in Guntur hospital."
The government has also announced compensation. Health Minister, K Srinivasa Rao said, "Already Rupees two lakh compensation has been announced... but they are demanding Rupees ten lakh... will discuss this with the Chief Minister."
Officials at the Guntur General Hospital say that the newborn died yesterday, because of complications from a surgery for a urinary infection. But the baby's parents claim that his fingers were bitten by rats when he was placed in neonatal intensive care unit a few days ago.
Chavali Lakshmi, the baby's mother said that she had alerted the staff. "Our son was about to undergo a surgery but we noticed wounds on his right hand on Wednesday. Rats had nibbled them (fingers) off," she told reporters.
Officials at the hospital could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts.
Mr Naidu has also issued a stern warning to health officials that such an incident should not occur again.