Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic fire incident at the Trauma Care ICU of Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack that resulted in loss of lives on March 16.
According to a notification issued by the Home (Special Section) Department, the state government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Retired District Judge Laxmidhar Biswal has been appointed to head the one-member commission. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 60 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Odisha Gazette.
The commission will examine the sequence of events that led to the fire at the hospital’s Trauma Care ICU and determine the role, conduct, and accountability of individuals or authorities involved. It will also assess the preparedness of the hospital and other agencies in handling such emergencies.
In addition, the inquiry will review whether the measures taken before and after the incident were adequate and effective in safeguarding patients and others present in the facility.
The commission has also been tasked with recommending measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
The headquarters of the commission will be based in Cuttack, although it may conduct hearings at other locations if required for the investigation.
