Tragedy at Odisha's Recruitment Drive: Heat Fatalities Spark Concerns

A 19-year-old named Saheba Dehury died after a collapse during a home guard recruitment test in Odisha's Deogarh district. The incident highlighted concerns over insufficient medical care and extreme testing conditions. This marks the third fatality this month during recruitment exams in the region.

A tragic incident unfolded in Odisha's Deogarh district when a 19-year-old candidate, Saheba Dehury, succumbed after collapsing during a physical test for home guard recruitment, local police confirmed.

Dehury, from Budido village in Reamal block, passed away in the early hours at the district headquarters hospital. His father, Pradip Dehury, criticized the inadequate medical assistance available at the facility, alleging the absence of a physician at a critical moment, and pointed to extreme heat conditions exacerbating the situation.

In the aftermath, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences, pledging an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the bereaved family. This death marks a troubling trend; earlier in the month, two other fatalities occurred during similar recruitment tests organized by the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission in nearby districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)