Gorakhpur infant deaths: Allahabad HC grants bail to Dr Kafeel Khan

Agencies

April 25, 2018

Allahabad, Apr 25: The Allahabad high court on Wednesday granted bail to Dr Kafeel Khan, who had been booked in connection with the death of children due to lack of oxygen at the Gorakhpur BRD Medical College last August.

Earlier, Dr Kafeel Khan - who has been in jail in the BRD Medical College case involving death of 63 children due to disruption in oxygen supply - had been brought to Gorakhpur district hospital for medical checkup under strict security on April 19.

Dr Khan was brought to the hospital two days after his wife had alleged that her jailed husband was being denied medical care.

The district hospital's cardiologist Dr K K Shahi had tested his blood pressure, carried out other tests and advised him to undergo complete lipid profile test to ascertain risks of heart ailments.

'Being framed'

After the tests, the police tried to take him away without any media interaction but on the way from cardiology department to the police vehicle, he told reporters present there that he was being framed.

"It is complete administrative failure and I have been framed. When the budget was not released from higher level, where from the payment could have been made (for oxygen cylinders)?" he asked.

Asked if the jail administration was providing medicines to him, he replied in the affirmative.

"Yes, they are giving (medicines)," he said.

Soon after, the police bundled him into the vehicle and drove away.

He is being denied medical care: Wife

Dr Khan's wife Dr Shabistan Khan on Tuesday had alleged at a press conference at her home that her husband and other doctors were being denied medical care in jail.

The district prison authorities, however, had rejected the charges.

In her press conference, Dr Shabistan had apprehended that the doctors lodged in the prison might be "killed."

She said her husband suffered a heart stroke on March 29 but was not given proper treatment.

"Former BRD Medical College principal, Dr Rajiv Mishra, is suffering from liver disease and diabetes but he is also not getting proper medical attention," she had claimed.

She had also said another accused, Dr Purnima Shukla, who is suffering from a hairline fracture, was also not getting the requisite medical attention.

Dr Kafeel is among the nine accused in the BRD Medical College and Hospital case involving death of 63 children, including infants, in August 2017 due to disruption in supply of oxygen owing to non-payment of dues to the vendor.

The state-run medical college is the single largest government-aided facility in Gorakhpur which also attends to the patients from nearby areas like Maharajganj, Deoria, Kushinagar, Basti, Siddharthnagar, Sant Kabirnagar, Ballia, certain areas of Bihar like Gopalganj and Siwan, besides border areas in neighboring Nepal.

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Health sector in Modi and Yogi Raj. Beware, Both are coming Karnatak to convert to UP.

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Tourism dept to enforce stringent pool and beach safety guidelines in coastal Karnataka

News Network

November 19,2024

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

Clearly displaying pool depths.
Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
Establishing clear pool operating hours.
Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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