Bhandara hospital fire: Guilty to face strict action, says Ajit Pawar

Picture used for representational purpose only

Strict action will be taken against the guilty after the report is submitted to the Maharashtra government in connection with the January 9 Bhandara district hospital fire, in which 10 newborns were killed, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters here, Pawar said, "We did not receive the report till yesterday. We are waiting for the report...strict action will be taken against whoever is guilty after the report is submitted (to the government)."

Ten newborn babies, admitted in the Special Newborn Care Unit of the hospital had died while seven others were rescued.

The panel probing the incident is expected to submit its report to the government soon. The report, to be submitted by Nagpur divisional commissioner Sanjeev Kumar, is expected to mention the likely cause of the fire and fix responsibility.

Meanwhile, Pawar also urged Maratha youths not to take extreme steps over the community''s quota issue which is pending before the Supreme Court, and added all need to wait for the apex court''s decision.

Pawar's comment comes in the wake of a 28-year-old man allegedly trying to commit suicide over the reservation issue in Aurangabad.

"When the matter is pending before the court, no government can do anything about it. It is an unfortunate incident," Pawar said.

He said the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government has been striving to ensure that quota for the community remains intact.

Pawar also said that it is the state government which took the initiative to see the matter is heard by a larger bench of the top court.

"The matter is before the Supreme Court...All need to give time (wait) for the decision when the matter is before the SC.

"It is wrong to take such an extreme step...I want to tell all the boys to please not try to end their lives," Pawar urged.

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