Phulbani: Town police Monday arrested a man for allegedly attempting to perform sorcery inside the district headquarters hospital here in Kandhamal district.
The man was identified as Hadi Pradhan of Arabaka village under Tikabali police limits. Hadi is said to be a self-proclaimed sorcerer. Although the incident occurred May 18, it came to light after additional district medical officer (ADMO) lodged a written complaint after two days.
On learning the incident, the sub-collector launched a probe and blamed the police, medical authorities and security guards for their negligence. Meanwhile, four security guards engaged in the DHH were suspended for failing to put an end to Hadi’s stunts.
On the other hand, security guards claimed they were unnecessarily being held responsible. They claimed they were being forced to pay the price for the inefficiency of the police. The guards accused the administration of depriving them of their livelihood and demanded action against the ADMO and police who were present at the DHH during the incident.
According to sources, a youth of Nediguda village under Khajuripada block was admitted to the DHH after a snakebite. However, he died while undergoing treatment. His family members however refused to accept that he was dead and allegedly sought the services of a sorcerer to bring the youth back to life.
Hadi then rose to the occasion claiming he was a traditional healer and a vegetable vendor. The patients admitted to the DHH reportedly bought a rooster from Hadi in order to perform the sorcery. However, Hadi claimed he had gone to collect his dues at the hospital for the sale of the rooster and said he was unaware of any sorcery.
When contacted, district collector Brunda D said she had brought the matter to the notice of the SP. Necessary action will be taken, she added. PNN
