Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh orders probe into Bhandara hospital fire

NAGPUR: Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh has ordered an inquiry into the fire incident at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital.
At least 10 newborn babies were killed and seven others had a miraculous escape after a fire broke out in the wee hours of Saturday.
Deshmukh, who was in Mumbai, flew to Nagpur and headed to Bhandara to visit the hospital.He is also expected to conduct a meeting of the concerned officials of the health department, hospital and police officers.

Sources said the home minister would likely to strictly issue instructions to inquire into any sabotage angle behind the incident.
A special high-level inquiry committee of officials from different departments is also likely to be formed for conducting the inquiry later in the day.
Deshmukh, who had crucial meetings in Nagpur, had cancelled his programme in the morning before rushing to Bhandara.
"I am reaching Bhandara now to review the situation," he said, expressing his grave concern over the incident.
Deshmukh would be accompanied to the hospital by IG Chiranjeev Prasad.
State and central intelligence officials too learnt to have reached the place prior to the home minister's visit.