Virender Sehwag slammed on Twitter for saying encephalitis is responsible for Gorakhpur tragedy

Virender Sehwag is known to be a born entertainer. The swashbuckling former Indian opener has often entertained the crowd with his spectacular batting and triple centuries. Sehwag had a distinct style of batting which is simply unmatchable. He used to sing while the bowler took his run up and never feared anyone at the crease. After retiring from the game, he has been entertaining the spectators, in the same way, this time not with the bat but the microphone in hand.

The funny commentator is known for his unputdownable wit and crazy humor. He is often seen making a mockery of an opposition with sarcastic remarks on Twitter and wishing his former teammates happy birthday in the craziest way possible. However, the Nawab of Najafgarh faced the heat when he tweeted about the Gorakhpur tragedy and said that the children died because of the disease called encephalitis.

The main story

Over a span of 48 hours, many children died at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. As per the reports, around 30 kids died within the short span due to lack of oxygen. However, the Yogi Adityanath government refused to accept any such claims and said that the deaths are due to encephalitis, a condition where the human brain gets inflamed.

“No death in BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, has taken place due to shortage of oxygen supply. Only seven deaths have taken place at the BRD Medical College today and these were due to different medical reasons,” said Gorakhpur District Magistrate Rajeev Rautela.

However, the authorities of the hospital, which is run by the state, said that a firm was supplying them oxygen and stopped the supply after they failed to pay their dues of Rs 70 Lakhs despite getting numerous reminders.

Regarding the incident, Sehwag tweeted “Deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives in #Gorakhpur. More than 50000 children have lost their lives here since encephalitis was first reported in 1978, the year I was born. We Still haven’t figured a way to save innocent lives from a known disease. Heartbreaking!”.

Deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives in #Gorakhpur . More than 50000 children have lost their lives here since encephalitis was 1/2

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 11, 2017

first reported in 1978, the year I was born. We Still haven't figured a way to save innocent lives from a known disease. Heartbreaking !
2/2

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 11, 2017

Many people, including some of his fans, are bashing him for tweeting such a comment regarding an incident where many new blossoming buds were churned due to the irresponsibility of the authorities.

While some have said that it was his mistake to be a fan of such a personality, other has accused him of being a supporter of the ruling party and not highlighting the real season. Someone has claimed that all the 63 deaths that were reported within a span of 7 days were because of government’s negligence.

Here are some replies to Sehwag’s tweet

जिस साल मैं पैदा हुआ था कोई बुढा भी नहीं मरा था | मनहूस चापलूस आज दुख है ऐसे आदमी का फैन रहा और अपने कई मित्रों से झगड़ा किया मित्रता खोई???

— Vikas Singh (@VSinghRLD) August 12, 2017

which pain ….your tweet is to justify these deaths….you should hv questioned the negligence…. how insensitive..!?

— आमिर Aamir ?? (@Aamir_Capri) August 11, 2017

63 deaths till now , not due to disease, bt lack of oxygen supply, don't be afraid telling truth @virendersehwag, be brave like ur shots, ?

— Nishat Anwar (@Nishatanwar) August 12, 2017

Sir main app ka bahut bada fan hon but muja nahi malom thaa ki aap bhi bjp ka chmcha hain bachcha kyon expire hoi pura india janta hai

— Javed Akhtar (@JavedAk60880074) August 12, 2017

It's not the diseases that killed these children this time. It's the failure of the system and you know that. How hypocritic of you !

— Niranj (@niranjpc) August 11, 2017

I think he's the spokperson of Bjp bcoz he gave the same reason what Bjp is giving.but died deu to lack of oxygen

— hilaly (@HilalyArif) August 11, 2017

पहले देश के लिये खेलते थे आप
लेकिन आजकल बिजेपी के खेल रहे हो….
शर्म कर लो कुछ….@virendersehwag

— नरेन्द्र चौधरी (@Narendralegha66) August 12, 2017

Arre sir.. Yogi जी के राज में हुआ तो 1978 की बात भी आ गयी.. गजब के दलाल हो आप..

— Messi Lion (@aminsayed82) August 11, 2017

They died cos of shortage of oxygen supply. Ek bachche ke baap ho tum bhi. Kuchh toh sharam karo

— Mehek (@MehekF) August 11, 2017

Donate s few Crores we will find a cure mere lip service can have no cure

— S Ramani (@ramani06) August 11, 2017

Dikhai nahi deta ya such dekhne ki aadat nahi hai, Poore desh ko pata hai bacche oxygen ki kami ki vajah se mare hain. Dalali band karo.

— Radheshyam Bhambhu (@bhambhumanyana) August 12, 2017