Judicial Probe Ordered into SCB ICU Fire Tragedy That Killed 12

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday announced the formation of a single-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the tragic fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed 12 lives.

As per a notification issued by the state Home Department, the incident has been termed a matter of serious public importance, warranting a judicial probe under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

Retired District Judge Laxmidhar Biswal has been appointed as the sole member of the Commission. The panel has been directed to complete the inquiry within 60 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Odisha Gazette.

The Commission will examine the sequence of events leading to the fire, along with the role, conduct, and accountability of individuals and authorities involved. It will also assess the preparedness of the hospital and other agencies in handling such emergencies, and evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken before and after the incident to save patients.

Additionally, the Commission has been tasked with recommending measures to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies. Its headquarters will be based in Cuttack, though it may conduct hearings at other locations if required.

The move comes amid widespread public concern over the incident, which also left several patients critically injured. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier announced a judicial inquiry, assuring strict action against any negligence found during the investigation.

Apart from the judicial probe, the state government has constituted a six-member fact-finding team led by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh to investigate the cause of the fire.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze broke out in the ICU of the Trauma Care Centre between 2 AM and 3 AM on Monday, allegedly due to an electrical short circuit. Seven critically injured patients died on the spot, while others succumbed later after being shifted to different ICUs.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over hospital safety standards, particularly in intensive care units, highlighting the urgent need for robust safety protocols and emergency response systems.