Sharmili Mallick

Berhampur: An assistant engineer of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) lost his battle to coronavirus on Thursday making him one of the top frontline fighters to die due to the virus in the State.

The BeMC staff, Kailash Chandra Nayak succumbed while undergoing treatment at KIMS Covid Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Nayak was initially admitted to Covid health centre at City Hospital in Berhampur with fever and flu last week and subsequently referred to KIMS, Bhubaneswar two days back after his health condition deteriorated, said reports.

“With a heart full of grief, we inform that we have lost Sri Kailash Chandra Nayak, assistant engineer, BeMC today. He was under treatment at KIMS, Bhubaneswar for COVID 19. He was a true gentleman and one of the kindest soul alive. A true Covid Warrior,” informed the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) through a tweet.

Nayak’s body was cremated with full honours in the presence of his family members,” added the BeMC.

The Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange on behalf of the Ganjam district administration also expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased.

“The dedication and devotion showed by him while discharging his duty definitely sets an example for others and indeed inspires others in the war against COVID-19. I extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members during this period of mourning,” stated Kulange in a message to Nayak’s family.

As many as 732 new coronavirus cases were detected in Ganjam district today taking the Covid-19 tally in the district to 7,634 which included 3,076 active cases, 4,483 recoveries and 70 deaths.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Gajapati district, Karunakar Raika (55) died due to COVID-19 becoming the first administrative rank officer of Odisha to fall victim to the virus.

Raika died while undergoing treatment at MKCG Hospital in Berhampur. He was in charge of Covid hospital and Covid care centres in Gajapati district. Sources said he was initially tested negative for the virus in antigen and TrueNat test but after his death, his swab samples tested through RT-PCR was found to be positive.

It may be noted that frontline fighters like numerous police, doctors, health workers, officials on emergency govt duty are getting infected with SARS-nCoV on a regular basis across the State.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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