Bhubaneshwar SUM hospital fire: Four hospital officials arrested

The police in Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday arrested four hospital officials in connection with the SUM hospital fire mishap, which left more than 20 people dead. Earlier on Tuesday, the Odisha government filed two FIRs alleging negligence in conduct and safety against the private hospital where a major fire broke out.

Two separate FIRs were lodged by Joint Director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) Umakanta Satpathy and Fire Officer (Central Circle) B B Das with the Khandagiri police station, said ACP P K Patnaik.

“In both the cases, allegations of negligence in conduct and safety were levelled against the Sum Hospital authorities.  A case will be registered soon,” he said, adding that some other organisations have also lodged complaints against the hospital.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said the Joint Director of DMET lodged the FIR against the hospital for alleged violation of provisions under Odisha Clinic and Establishment Act, 1992.

The minister expressed hope that the inquiry by Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central) A B Ota would be conducted in a neutral and impartial manner.

The DMET’s decision to file FIR with police was taken at a meeting attended by the minister, health secretary, DMET and RDC, said a senior official.