SUM mishap: 21 asked to depose before probe panel today

Cuttack: At least 21 persons have been summoned to depose before the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central, today in connection with the SUM hospital fire tragedy that claimed 29 lives.

RDC AB Ota yesterday recorded statements of three eyewitnesses out of 20 summoned to appear before the probe panel. Others who failed to turn up yesterday, will be given the time to depose on December 6, Ota said.

However, from December 1 to December 3 , the deposition of witnesses will be held in Bhubaneswar. SUM hospital trustee Manoj Nayak, Khurda collector, fire officials involved in dousing flames, BDA and health officials have been asked to depose in the matter," he said.

Except BDA, all of them have submitted detailed information with documents. I have given a reminder to BDA to submit the required details,” the RDC added

The RDC will also record statements of director medical education and training (DMET) and hospital staff and doctors, who conducted post-mortem of persons died in the accident.

Notably, the state government had directed the RDC to enquire into the fire mishap at the leading private health institute that had occurred on October 17. While a total of 393 affidavits were submitted by the last date, 61 will be called for recording of their statements in phases.

Sources said RDC has plans to complete the process of recording of statements by December 6 .

Notably, the state government had directed the RDC to inquire into the fire mishap of Sum Hospital that had occurred on October 17 .