Odisha Government Suspends Officials Following Fatal Hospital Fire

A tragic fire at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has led to the suspension of four officials by the state government due to alleged negligence. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 12 patients, has prompted ongoing investigations and calls for the resignation of the Health Minister. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fire. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on accountability and ensuring safety in healthcare facilities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 18:15 IST

Government Action After Tragic Incident

In the wake of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 12 patients at a hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, the state government announced the suspension of four officials on Wednesday due to alleged negligence in their duties.

This decision was made following the recommendations of a fact-finding committee led by development commissioner DK Singh.

Despite the ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the circumstances that led to the fire, the disciplinary measures were swiftly implemented.

The incident occurred around 3 am on Monday in the trauma care intensive care unit of the Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, which is the largest government healthcare facility in the state.

While the precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi suggested that it might have been caused by a short circuit.

The suspended officials include Deputy Fire Officer Prakash Kumar Jena, Assistant Fire Officer Sanjeeb Behera, Station Officer Abhinab Prusty, and Ranjan Kumar Biswal, the assistant executive engineer of the general electrical division.

This action comes amid calls from the Opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal and Congress, for the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.

Additionally, the Odisha government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the incident.

On Monday, Chief Minister Majhi also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of the deceased.

At the time of the fire, approximately 23 patients were being treated in the trauma intensive care unit and a nearby ICU, many of whom were reliant on ventilators and oxygen support, complicating their evacuation during the emergency.