GORAKHPUR: Dr Kafeel Khan, a paediatrician who was one of the nine accused in 2017 BRD hospital cases in which over 60 kids lost their lives over a few days allegedly due to shortage of oxygen, is likely to be the Samajwadi Party candidate for the Deoria-Kushinagar seat in the forthcoming MLC elections.
Although there is no official confirmation, Kafeel Khan, confirmed to TOI that he had been assured from party president Akhilesh Yadav about his candidature. He also posted his picture with SP president Akhilesh Yadav on his Twitter handle stating, ‘Met with honourable former chief minister Shri @yadavakhilesh sir and presented him a copy of #TheGorakhpurHospitalTragedy.’
While talking to TOI, he said, “I met the SP president on Tuesday in Lucknow and he is fielding me as MLC candidate from Deoria-Kushinagar seat.” On being asked about his plans, he said, “I will contest the election.”
On his candidature, Gorakhpur district president Awdhesh Yadav, said, “I have also seen his photograph on social media but no official confirmation has reached us so far.”
Dr Khan remained in jail in two other cases, apart from the BRD Medical College tragedy, and was terminated from service on November 9, 2021. He has moved high court against the government's action against him.
