Kerala orders probe into Bakht death

The Kerala Cabinet today decided to order an inquiry into the alleged lapses in the treatment of Governor Sikander Bakht, who died at the Medical College Hospital here on February 23.

Announcing this at the Cabinet briefing, Chief Minister A.K. Antony said that the mode of inquiry and the terms of reference would be decided later. He added that the Cabinet had decided to probe the matter as there were allegations that serious lapses in treatment led to Bakht’s death. ‘‘The government has nothing to hide.So we have decided to conduct an inquiry to clear all doubts,’’ Antony said.

Bakht’s death because of a viral infection following intestinal surgery sparked off a raging controversy in Kerala with the BJP state president alleging that the Governor was the victim of gross medical negligence.