Odisha Home Guard recruitment: 1 candidate dies, 7 hospitalised during physical test

A candidate tragically lost his life while seven others were hospitalised during a physical examination for Home Guard recruitment in Odisha. The examination took place at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district on Thursday.

“Five of us from our village had participated in the physical test for the home guard. After the women’s test was done, male aspirants joined for the physical test. He was just 30 seconds from finishing the test when he collapsed,” a relative of the deceased said.

“An ambulance was called immediately, and he was brought to the hospital. However, the doctors declared him dead,” she added.

Death and Hospitalisation

The deceased has been identified as Sulant Mishal from Parisal village near Ramgiri police station. He was rushed to the Parlakhemundi district headquarters hospital (DHH), where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.

The incident occurred while the candidates were undergoing a rigorous physical test on a 2 km stretch of road between Ranipenth and Padmapur. Witnesses say that the candidates began collapsing during the running test.

Immediate Medical Response

All eight men were swiftly taken to the main hospital in Paralakhemundi. Medical officials confirmed that Sulant succumbed to his condition while the seven others were undergoing treatment, and their condition was stated to be serious.

CM Majhi's Ex-Gratia:

CM Mohan Majhi on Thursday expressed deep grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased

Official Response

Police and local administrators are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, said sources. Authorities have not yet provided further details on the health conditions that might have contributed to this tragic event.