Ex-MLA Gurcharan Chabbra on hunger-strike passes away

Former Janata Dal MLA Gurcharan Chabbra, who was on a fast unto death demanding liquor ban and strengthening of Lokayukta in Rajasthan, today died at a hospital here.

Chabbra, 65, breathed his last at 4:30 AM, Additional Superintendent of SMS Hospital, Ajit Singh told PTI.

He was in a coma for the past couple of days and put on ventilator support, Singh said.
In a statement here, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the anti-liquor crusader died due to the "insensitive" attitude of the Rajasthan government.

"Had Rajasthan Chief Minister tried to meet him and persuaded him to end fast, Chabbra might have been saved," Gehlot said.

Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister, Rajendra Rathore visited the hospital and paid his condolences.

"A medical board of doctors which was formed yesterday to take care of Chhabra had decided to airlift him to a hospital in Gurgaon but before that, he died," Rathore said.

Chabbra's family members have decided to donate the body to SMS hospital, he added.
Deceased's eyes have been donated after the death, he said.

PCC President Sachin Pilot also condoled the death of ex-MLA and held the state government responsible for it.

"It is very unfortunate that a Gandhian leader died due to anshan which he began on October 2. The government had promised him to look into his demand but no step was initiated by the government," Pilot said.