Gautam Goswami's condition critical, on life support

Patna, Jan 4 (IANS) The condition of Gautam Goswami, who was named Time magazine's Asian hero in 2005 for his exemplary work among flood victims and later accused of swindling funds meant for flood relief, continued to be critical Sunday morning. He is suffering from cancer.

Goswami was admitted Saturday to a private hospital here after his condition deteriorated. 'His condition remains critical,' a close relative said. The 1991 batch IAS officer is on life support system at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

Goswami, a former Patna district magistrate, is a key accused in the Rs.170 million ($3.86 million) Bihar flood relief scam of 2004.

A family source said Goswami has been suffering from cancer for over a year.

Last month Goswami's suspension was revoked by the Bihar government on health grounds.

He is an accused in the case relating to the alleged swindling of funds meant for providing relief to flood-hit people of north Bihar in 2004. An inquiry by the vigilance bureau was ordered when President's Rule was in force in the state in 2005.

A first information report (FIR) was filed against Goswami and 27 others May 28, 2005. Later, all the accused and scam kingpin Santosh Jha, a relief material supplier, surrendered and were sent to jail.

After spending over a year in jail, Goswami was granted bail by the Patna High Court in 2006.