GORAKHPUR, Feb. 14 -- A magisterial inquiry has been initiated after serious complications following cataract surgeries at a private hospital in Sikriganj town of Gorakhpur allegedly left several patients severely affected earlier this month. Of at least 19 patients who underwent surgery, three have lost one eye each, while five others are at risk of losing their vision due to extensive damage. Gorakhpur chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Rajesh Kumar Jha said 11 patients were referred to AIIMS New Delhi by Dr Rajesh Rai, the director of a private hospital in Sikriganj town of Gorakhpur. "All referred patients are recovering from the infection," the CMO said. Dr Jha confirmed the developments on Friday. He said a three-member committee has been constituted to investigate possible medical negligence and procedural lapses. The committee is headed by the ADM (administration) and includes eye surgeon Dr Pankaj Soni of BRD Medical College and Dr ANL Kushwaha of the Gorakhpur district hospital. District magistrate Deepak Meena said, "A detailed investigation has been ordered into the incident. The committee will inspect the hospital, examine the operation theatre, record statements of patients and their families and submit its report within three days. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible." Health officials said no written complaint has yet been received from the affected patients and therefore no FIR has been registered against the private hospital administration so far. Meanwhile, Shankravati Devi, who underwent surgical removal of her left eye and received an artificial eye implant, returned to Gorakhpur on Friday. Parveen, son of Jairam who has lost vision, said that Devraji Devi, Ramawati Devi, Ramdras and two other patients are currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi. Dr Amresh Singh, head of the microbiology department at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, has submitted his inquiry report to district authorities. CMO Dr Jha said local health officials have not yet directly contacted the AIIMS Delhi doctors or all affected patients but are in contact with members of the inquiry team investigating the circumstances surrounding the surgeries....