Cuttack, March 17: The National Human Rights Commission has taken serious note of the fire incident in the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and sought a report from the Government of Odisha.

The Commission has directed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within 15 days on the incident. The complaint was filed by Manoj Jena, president of Human Rights Front India.

Taking up the matter, Commission member Justice B. R. Sarangi ordered the Chief Secretary to furnish the report within the stipulated time.

According to the complaint, the fire allegedly broke out due to a short circuit in the ICU located on the first floor of the Trauma Care Centre. The incident reportedly led to the death of 12 patients, while more than 20 others were critically injured.

The complaint further alleged that lack of proper fire safety measures and negligence by hospital authorities led to the mishap. It also claimed that the sprinkler system failed to function in time during the rescue operation, delaying firefighting efforts.

Calling the incident a serious violation of human rights, the complainant demanded a high-level probe and strict action against those responsible.