Human Rights / NHRC Seeks Action-Taken Report Within Four Weeks in SCB Psychiatric Patient Death Case

Kataka, Oct 16: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report within four weeks over the alleged assault and death of a psychiatric patient at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka. The commission has directed the Health Department Secretary, Police Commissioner and District Collector to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report.

The action follows a petition filed by human rights activist Manoj Jena, who sought intervention in the case involving the death of Srikant Das, a 40-year-old resident of Pahanga village under Rasulpur block in Jajpur district.

NHRC Seeks Medical And Forensic Reports
The commission has sought a comprehensive account of the incident, including the postmortem report and all medical records relating to Das from the time of his admission to the hospital.

It has also asked the authorities to submit the chemical and histopathological examination reports of the deceased's viscera, the inquest report, the magistrate's inquiry report and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report. The NHRC has further sought information establishing the final cause of death based on the relevant medical and forensic findings.

In addition, the commission has requested a video recording of the postmortem examination and details of other measures taken by the authorities in connection with the incident. The four-week deadline requires the concerned officials to investigate the allegations and submit the requested action-taken report.

Family Alleges Assault Inside Hospital
According to the information provided in the complaint, Das was admitted to the Mental Health Institute of SCB Medical College and Hospital on September 28 following an illness. His family alleged that he was assaulted by hospital staff and security personnel with plastic pipes after he stepped out of his ward late on September 29.

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His relatives further alleged that more than three hospital staff members were involved in the assault and that his wife’s objections were ignored. The family also claimed that injury marks were visible on different parts of his body.

The allegations prompted the family to lodge a complaint at Mangalabag police station.

Two Arrested In Connection With Case
Commissionerate Police arrested two people in connection with the case. Ward attendant A Jagannath Rao and security guard Dilip Kumar Pradhan were produced before a court, according to information reported on October 11.