Bhubaneswar, Mar 17: Leader of Opposition and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has demanded the immediate resignation of Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling following the deadly fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital. The blaze in the Trauma Care ICU claimed 11 lives and left several others injured, sparking outrage across the state.

Speaking in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Patnaik strongly criticised the government’s handling of the incident, calling it a “catastrophic lapse” in safety oversight. He said the tragedy exposed deteriorating safety standards at one of Odisha’s premier healthcare institutions. After visiting the hospital, he described the scene as deeply distressing and a reflection of systemic negligence.

Patnaik also demanded enhanced compensation of ₹50 lakh for each bereaved family, terming the current ex-gratia insufficient. He stressed that a judicial inquiry alone cannot absolve the government of responsibility and insisted that political accountability must be ensured.

The fire, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, occurred on Monday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial probe and announced ₹25 lakh compensation for victims’ families.

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