While the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a probe to ascertain if the shortage of oxygen led to the deaths of 60 children undergoing treatment at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur since August 7, there is enough evidence to show that the hospital and State administration ignored reminders and requests by the private firm that supplied oxygen for payment of outstanding dues.

The hospital also allegedly ignored warnings of falling levels of liquid oxygen in its plant from employees.

Following the deaths, the principal of the BRD Medical College Rajiv Mishra was suspended on Saturday. U.P. Medical Education Minister Ashutosh Tandon said he was suspended for his “irresponsible act” of allegedly delaying payment to the supplier of oxygen cylinders.