Conflicting reports on Nizam’s health

Hyderabad: The flickering life of the Nizam, the 81year-old former ruler, appears to be playing hide and seek, causing alarm intermittently to the palace inmates and government officials.

On Tuesday morning, the Nizam was in near coma condition, but later in the day, he rallied round and showed definite signs of improvement. However, late on Wednesday, deterioration set in, causing real worry to the doctors and others attending on him. He was also placed in an oxygen tent.

Apparently, at the break of dawn, a critical stage was reached and he was officially proclaimed dead. However, and hour later, Dr G.P. Ramaiah of the Osmania University, was called in and after an examination declared the patient alive.

The Palace and police sources, which gave out news of the death, hurriedly withdrew their statements.

Based on the reports of the ex-ruler’s death, the chief minister also issued a condolence message and a day’s holiday as a mark of respect for the Nizam was also announced, and subsequently withdrawn.