Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women & Child Development, Pravati Parida, has requested a detailed report from Kendrapara Collector Smruti Ranjan Pradhan following allegations of a newborn’s death due to negligence by the Derabish Child Development Project Officer (CDPO).
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the Kendrapara Collector to investigate the incident thoroughly and submit the report promptly. Parida also personally spoke with Barsha Priyadarshini Mohapatra, a clerk in the CDPO office, to express her condolences over the tragedy.
According to reports, Mohapatra, who was seven months pregnant, informed CDPO Snehalata Sahoo that she was experiencing labour pains and requested permission to leave for the hospital.
However, it is alleged that Sahoo denied her permission, despite Mohapatra’s urgent need for medical attention. When Mohapatra’s health began to deteriorate at the office, her family members rushed to take her to a nearby private hospital, where she ultimately delivered a stillborn baby.
Family members allege that the CDPO’s refusal to let Mohapatra seek medical assistance led directly to the loss of the newborn.
