On June 11, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed Uttar Pradesh has the “standard for development, security and good governance”. A week later, grim details have emerged from the Ballia district of UP, parts of which are reeling under severe heat. Fifty-four people admitted at the Ballia district hospital have died in just past three days, health officials said on Sunday.

While on Friday, now-sacked Ballia chief medical superintendent (CMS) DR Diwakar Singh attributed the fatalities to heat stroke, officials are now claiming deaths were caused by different reasons. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, said on Sunday that Dr Singh was removed for giving an “irresponsible statement”.