The death toll in the Kendrapara firecracker mishap has risen to two, after a 28-year-old succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Pintu Khan.
Khan was under treatment at Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital. However, he breathed his last Sunday night.
Earlier, an under-treatment patient had succumbed to burn injuries late Friday night. The deceased was identified as Uday Bhoi. He was also under treatment at SCB Hospital in Cuttack.
Meanwhile, many other patients are still battling for their lives at the premier hospital’s Burn ICU, Central ICU and general ward.
On the other hand, the Sadar police has arrested three persons for their alleged roles in connection with the tragedy. The three have been identified as Bulu Mallik, Arakhita Mallik and Chilu Dash. The accused booked under IPC 286, 337, 338, 109 were produced before the court.
A case has also been registered as per firework and loudspeaker Act-5 and Explosives Act-3 & 5. The three accused are members of different puja committees.
Moreover, the Sadar police took suo-moto cognisance of the matter and has registered cases against many other puja committee members.
When contacted, SDPO, Jayant Mahapatra informed that there will be many other arrests soon.
Worth mentioning, at least 40 people were injured following a firecracker mishap in the middle of a crowd celebrating an immersion ceremony of Lord Kartikeswar at Balia Bazaar in Odisha’s Kendrapara.
As many as 33 injured were initially admitted to Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). After preliminary treatment, they were shifted to Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital after their condition worsened.