Sterilisation deaths: State trying to cover-up the tragedy, says Rahul

Speaking to reporters in Bilaspur, Gandhi slammed Chief Minister Raman Singh dispensation for "not taking responsibility" for the tragedy and demanded a thorough investigation.

"The state government is not taking responsibility and in turn medicines are being burnt and there has been efforts to cover-up the matter," the Congress leader said."

He also claimed that the State Government of trying to "cover-up" the incident.

"Truth is that it is not only a case of negligence. Here corruption has a role, fake medicines have a role," he reportedly said.

Gandhi met family members of those who lost their lives and visited the hospital where the affected women are being treated.

"I felt very sad. The entire family suffers when the mother suffers," said 44-year-old Rahul.

About 13 women died and more than a hundred others were in a serious condition following sterilization on Nov 8 at a camp organised by government-run Nemi Chand hospital at Bilaspur District in Chhattisgarh.

The health programme was aimed at controlling India’s billion-plus population.

The state government gives Rs. 1,400 to each of the women who undergo the surgery.

Admitting the possibility of negligence, the Raman Singh suspended four officials including RK Gupta under whose supervision the surgeries were performed.

CM ordered to file an FIR (First Information Report) against Gupta, who was later arrested.

The state government also announced a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh for the families of each of the deceased woman.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday sent a notice to the Chhattisgarh government over the deaths and has demanded a report into the incident within two weeks.

The Chhattisgarh High Court asked for a detailed report within 10 days.