The Odisha government has suspended four officers in connection with a devastating hospital fire that killed 12 patients. The incident has sparked a political storm, with the opposition demanding the resignation of the state health minister.
The fire broke out in the trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where 23 patients were admitted. Many of the victims were critically ill and asleep when the fire started, leaving little time to escape.
A preliminary probe found a cascade of failures, including a disabled sprinkler system and a defunct smoke detection system. The fire originated from two ventilator machines in the ICU.
The opposition has accused the government of failing to ensure accountability and has demanded a judicial inquiry. The ruling party has rejected the charges, accusing the opposition of politicising the tragedy.
