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Key Points

A devastating fire at Jaipur's SMS Hospital Trauma Centre claimed eight lives, sparking intense political debate. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot strongly criticized the government's response and called for a judicial inquiry. Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister defended their actions, stating a high-level committee was immediately formed. The incident has raised serious questions about hospital safety and emergency preparedness in the state.

Key Points: Gehlot Demands Judicial Probe in Fatal Jaipur Hospital Blaze

  • Fire at SMS Hospital Trauma Centre kills 8 patients
  • Gehlot demands comprehensive judicial inquiry
  • Rajasthan forms 6-member investigation panel
  • Deputy CM claims immediate government response
3 min read

Jaipur hospital fire: Gehlot demands judicial enquiry; panel formed says Rajasthan Dy CM

Tragic SMS Hospital fire claims 8 lives, Gehlot calls for investigation while Rajasthan govt forms inquiry panel

"We are very saddened that no one is talking about an investigation. - Ashok Gehlot"

Jaipur, Oct 6

A day after eight patients died in a tragic fire at the Trauma Centre of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has demanded a judicial enquiry into the incident. However, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa and Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham stated that a six-member panel had already been set up to look into the tragedy.

Gehlot surveyed the trauma centre in the aftermath of the fire and met with grieving families who had lost their loved ones in the blaze.

He sharply criticised the Rajasthan government, saying, "We will speak to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. We are very saddened that no one is talking about an investigation. The families of the deceased say they don't know where the bodies are. This is a very bad situation. There is no minister or government official present. There should be a judicial enquiry into such an incident."

He argued that transparency is needed as families of the deceased patients deserve clear answers about the fire, cause, and handling of the crisis.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa said that the Chief Minister and other high-ranking officials were present at the hospital.

He emphasised, "The Chief Minister and all of us came here last night and the Chief Minister has formed a committee to investigate the cause. The Chief Minister is concerned about this, and we will work to provide all possible relief to the families of the deceased."

Health Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham accused the Congress of being insensitive to the tragedy. "The Congress Party has become insensitive. As soon as we received information about the fire, we went to the hospital. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and I assessed the situation. We met with the families of the victims. This is a very sad incident," he said.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra also joined the fray. He accused the state government of negligence and alleged repeated failures in handling public healthcare: "People have died due to government negligence. The government is insensitive and has completely failed. People are dying due to fires and expired medicines... The government is paying no attention."

The Rajasthan government has formed a six-member high-level committee -- led by Commissioner Iqbal Khan -- to investigate the causes of the fire and evaluate emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, the public continues to press for accountability, compensation, and assurances that such a tragedy will not happen again.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why are politicians making this a political issue? People have died! Focus should be on helping families and fixing hospital safety. Both sides should stop blaming each other and work together.
A
Arjun K
SMS Hospital is one of Rajasthan's biggest government hospitals. If this can happen there, what about smaller hospitals? Fire safety audits should be mandatory for all healthcare facilities across India.
S
Sarah B
The fact that families don't know where the bodies are is shocking and unacceptable. Basic dignity in death should be guaranteed. Government needs to show more compassion and efficiency in crisis management.
V
Vikram M
Committee after committee is formed but nothing changes. We need strict implementation of fire safety norms and regular inspections. Mere compensation isn't enough - we need systemic changes.
K
Kavya N
My relative was treated at SMS Hospital last month. The infrastructure is old and maintenance is poor. This tragedy was waiting to happen. Hope this wakes up authorities to upgrade our public hospitals.

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