STF to probe health directorate fire incident

LUCKNOW: Special Task Force will now probe into the incident of fire at the state health directorate, following orders by health minister Ahmed Hasan and instructions from chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.
“The STF probe will go on along with departmental enquiry,” said an official statement issued by Hasan. It may be recalled that a major fire broke out at the health directorate on Sunday.The incident took place on the third floor of the building causing damage to property. Official records related to at least three different sections were gutted.
Initially, a short-circuit in the electrical line of the building was touted reason for the incident but later, it was alleged that the floor was set on fire deliberately to get rid of files related to the National Rural Health Mission scam. To clear the mist, principal secretary health ordered a probe in the matter.
The probe team, comprising three members including a representative from the state fire department, was headed by director, administration (health) Ritu Maheshwari. This team was expected to look into the reasons of fire and suggest preventive measures.
The team got the affected areas videographed on Tuesday besides taking pictures of the spot. A separate team was constituted to document extent of damage and hold restoration work. Both teams were to submit their reports in a week's time.
Health minister Ahmad Hasan also inspected the place on Tuesday reportedly briefed the chief minister’s office about it.