Being framed for administrative failure in BRD tragedy: Dr Kafeel

Kafeel Khan, who is in jail in connection with the death of 30 children at BRD Medical College last year, on Thursday said the incident was an administrative failure and he was being falsely implicated in the case.

Kafeel, hailed as a hero immediately after the incident on August 10-11, was later charged with attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.

“It (BRD tragedy) was a total administrative failure. I had no role in the purchase of oxygen. I am being falsely implicated in the case,” Kafeel told media persons as the police took him to cardiology department of district hospital after he complained of chest pain and uneasiness.

“How could payments have been made to the supplier if the government failed to provide funds?” he asked.

Additional district magistrate (city) Rajneesh Chandra refused to comment on the issue. “The DM is the right person to respond. He will join tomorrow,” he said.

Kafeel, who underwent ECG and Echo tests, said doctors jailed in connection with the BRD incident were innocent. He said former principal of BRD Hospital was suffering from liver cirrhosis and other complications.

Kafeel’s wife Shabista Khan said her husband suffered a stroke on March 27 and alleged that he was not given proper treatment.

The in-charge of Gorakhpur district jail, Ram Dhani said police force was not available till April 14 to escort Kafeel to the hospital. “On Wednesday, he was taken to the hospital but his medical examination could not be conducted due to a strike by doctors. He has been examined today,” he said, adding that Kafeel’s blood pressure had shot up on April 12.

Immediately after the tragedy on August 10-11 last year, a section of the media hailed Kafeel as a saviour when he arranged jumbo oxygen cylinders through his own means after Pushpa Sales had stopped supplying oxygen cylinders to the hospital.

GORAKHPUR:Doctor