Thiruvananthapuram: Seeking to end the controversy over alleged medical lapses in treatment to late Governor Sikander Bakht at the Medical College Hospital, Kerala Cabinet today (Mar 1, 2004) decided to order a probe into the matter.

Chief Minister A K Antony said after a Cabinet meeting that the mode of the inquiry and terms of reference would be decided later.

"The Cabinet has decided to probe the matter as there have been allegations that the treatment provided to Bakht had some lapses. The Government has nothing to hide in the matter so a probe is being ordered to clear all doubts," Antony said.

Sikander Bakht died at the medical college hospital on February 23 after he suffered a viral attack while recovering from an intestinal surgery.

The Governor's death sparked a raging controversy with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) State unit alleging that the Governor was the victim of gross medical negligence and wanted the matter inquired into by an expert panel from outside the State.

The issue had also brought to sharp focus lack of facilities in medical college hospitals in the State.