Law will take its own course on AMRI: Mamata

Ignoring criticism of her government's handling of the AMRI Hospital fire, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said law would take its own course in regard to the December nine fire in which 93 people, mostly patients, were killed.

"Criticisms are being made with regard to the AMRI Hospital case, but I am not perturbed. Law will take its own course," the chief minister said at a function at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here.

Several directors of the hospital, including industrialists and top doctors, have been arrested in connection with the case and have been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

"Whether it is a rickshaw-puller or an influential person, law is the same for everyone," she asserted while reiterating that no leniency would be shown to the accused.

Ninety-three people, most of them patients, died after inhaling poisonous smoke at the centrally air-conditioned seven-storey AMRI annexe building at Dhakuria on December nine.

The licence of the private hospital was cancelled on the day of the tragic incident.

Nine directors and two officers of the AMRI hospital were arrested in connection with the case and are at present in custody, while three other directors are absconding.

AMRI Hospital is jointly promoted by R S Goenka-led Emami Group and S K Todi-led Shrachi Group of companies with a minor shareholding of the West Bengal government.