Chairman of SUM Hospital in Bhubaneshwar, Manoj Nayak, surrendered before the local police on Thursday, two days after 21 people were killed in a major fire that broke out in the dialysis ward at the facility, ANI reported. Nayak is a businessperson with ventures in education, television channels and newspapers. More than 100 people were injured in the incident. A police case was filed against the facility on Tuesday, and four hospital officials were arrested.

A Special Investigation Team on black money has also asked the Enforcement Directorate to investigate the financial transactions of Sikshya O Anusandhan Charitable Trust, which runs the hospital, reported PTI. Vice Chairperson of the SIT, Justice Arijit Pasayat, also urged the Odisha police to cooperate with the investigative agency and ensure that the trust's documents are not tampered with.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, the National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the Odisha government in connection with Monday's fire. The NHRC expressed its shock at the state government and its officials allowing a large number of hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearances. It said any lapse by authorities would amount to a violation of the right to life of the patients. The commission sought a report from state officials within six weeks.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the state administration needed to address a number of safety issues at the hospital. "Our priority is to ensure proper treatment of patients who were affected because of the fire," the minister said after visiting the facility. He has assured the Odisha government of all necessary support for treatment of those injured.

At least 40 patients were reportedly present in the dialysis ward when the fire broke out on Monday night. Carbon monoxide fumes spread through air conditioner ducts in the hospital, causing many of the victims, who were on oxygen support, to suffocate. The flames were doused around three hours after the fire broke out.