Two aspirants perish during Home Guard recruitment in Odisha, concerns raised over physical tests

At least two young men tragically died during a physical test for the Home Guard recruitment in Paralakhemundi, located in Gajapati district, on Thursday. 

As many as seven other candidates were taken ill and were receiving medical treatment. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of such physical examinations, reminiscent of a similar tragedy in March.

Casualties in the Line of Aspiration

As per reports, 20-year-old Sulanta Mishal from Perisol and 27-year-old Deepak Padal from Narayanpur have been identified as the deceased. Sulanta, fatherless from a young age, supported his family by working as a tailor while pursuing his studies. He had expressed a strong determination to become a Home Guard by assuring his mother of his success. Tragically, he collapsed during the two-kilometre run and could not be revived at the medical facility.

"I was confident that my son would get the job and our economic condition would improve. However, he didn't return home after appearing in the recruitment test. I have nobody to look after now. I am completely helpless now," lamented Sulanta's mother Pramila Mishal.

"Sulanta's brother had passed away earlier. He is no more now. His elderly mother is completely helpless now. The government should extend a helping hand to the deceased's family," said Sulanta's uncle.

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Deepak, who was also severely ill, was referred to the Berhampur Medical College but tragically passed away. The remaining ill aspirants are under treatment at the district's healthcare facility.

Community and Official Responses

Following this heartbreaking event, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to Sulanta's family. 

Senior police officials, including the Gajapati Superintendent of Police, visited the hospitals to oversee the treatment of the survivors and ensure comprehensive medical care.

A Recurrent Tragedy

This is not the first such incident in the region, shedding light on the dangerous nature of physical recruitment tests that have previously led to fatalities. Authorities are under pressure to review these processes to prevent future occurrences.

"These kinds of incidents are happening due to inadequate preparations. Candidates are getting overconfident about their physical abilities. Some candidates were also found taking steroids elsewhere. Proper preparations and health checkups are required while appearing in physical tests," said health expert Dr Sami Salim.

"Following chest complaints, the candidates were immediately admitted to hospitals after initial health checkups. However, the unfortunate incidents happened while they were undergoing treatment," said Gajapati SP Jatindra Panda.