Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Odisha government on Wednesday relieved a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Kendrapara district from duty to ensure an impartial probe into allegations that she denied leave to a pregnant woman employee for which the latter reportedly suffered a miscarriage.

In a post on X, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said, “Snehalata Sahoo, the CDPO of Derabish block in Kendrapara district, has been relieved from her duty for an impartial investigation into the miscarriage of a 7-month-old fetus of a clerk in the Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department.”

The District Collector has been directed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter, she added.

Deputy CM Parida, who oversees the W&CD Department, also said appropriate action will be taken once the investigation report is received.

Notably, Barsha Priyadarshini, a clerk in the W&CD Department, on Tuesday alleged that she lost her child in the womb after being denied leave despite experiencing labour pains at her office on October 25.

Also Read: Pregnant Govt Employee Loses Child After Being 'Denied' Leave In Kendrapada

Speaking to mediapersons, Barsha alleged that both CDPO Sahoo and other officials ignored her pleas for assistance to get to a hospital.

Eventually, Barsha's relatives took her to a private hospital in Kendrapara, where an ultrasound confirmed that her baby had died.

Barsha, who was in her seventh month of pregnancy, also alleged that CDPO Sahoo used to mistreated her in the office.

Accusing the CDPO of "mental harassment and gross negligence", Barsha filed a written complaint with the District Collector, calling for strict action against her.

The CDPO, while speaking to media, said it was a false allegation and she had no knowledge of Barsha's condition.

Read More Odisha News