Gorakhpur tragedy: 30 children die in 48 hours, govt orders magisterial probe

As many as 30 children lost their lives due to encephalitis in last 48 hours at Gorakhpur's BRD Hospital. Out of 31, 17 children died in the neo-natal ward, 5 in AES (acute encephalitis syndrome) ward and 8 in the general ward.

According to the sources, oxygen supply was disrupted by the provider because of non-payment of dues worth Rs. 69 lakhs despite several reminders.

However, the district magistrate Rajeev Rautela denied the report of deaths due to lack of oxygen supply.

Also, a latest report reveal that a total number of 60 deaths have occurred in the past 5 days: Baba Raghav Das Medical College and Hospital.

At a press conference, the DM said that 30 deaths have been reported in the past 48 hours.

However, the DM categorically denied that the deaths were due to shortage of oxygen supply.He said 17 children died in the neo-natal ward, 5 in AES (acute encephalitis syndrome) ward and 8 in the general ward.

An inquiry committee has been set up to ascertain the exact causes of the deaths and it has been asked to submit its report by tomorrow evening.

The incident comes barely two days after the visit of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to the hospital to review its functioning. Gorakhpur, where the hospital is located, is the Lok Sabha constituency of the Chief Minister.

Reports say that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath taking information on phone from concerned officials. Action on Medical College's administration likely.

Meanwhile, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav tweeted "Yogi government responsible for the deaths of children, strict action should be taken against the culprits, 20 lakh Rs. compensation should be given to the families of deceased children".

OneIndia News