Bhubaneswar, April 13: A judicial inquiry into the devastating fire at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital commenced on Monday, marking a crucial step toward uncovering the cause of the incident that shocked Odisha.

As per reports, a retired High Court judge has been appointed to head the probe. The inquiry team arrived at the SCB campus in Cuttack this morning and began recording statements from staff and officials at the office of the Medical College Principal. The investigation aims to determine the sequence of events and identify lapses that led to the tragedy.

The fire, which broke out on March 16 in the Trauma Care ICU, claimed the lives of 12 patients and raised serious concerns about hospital safety standards. In response, the state government ordered a judicial inquiry, while an earlier fact-finding team led by Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh had already examined the site to assess the cause.

Following preliminary findings indicating negligence, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the suspension of four officials, including fire and electrical department personnel.

The judicial inquiry is expected to fix accountability and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

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