The State Home Department has refused to conduct an inquiry into the Kalahandi incidence of Dana Majhi carrying the body of his wife on his shoulders for around 10 km as no vehicle or ambulance was provided by the district administration.
Disposing of a grievance petition of human rights activist Subash Mohapatra, the Home Department said it could not carry out an investigation into this incidence. “This matter does not relate to the Home Department as this matter comes under the Health Department,” said a letter from the department.
Mohapatra, in his petition, alleged that Dana Majhi and his minor daughter were subjected to abuse by the hospital staff and the district Collector.
“It is unfortunate that instead of helping a tribal person, Chief District Medical Officer BK Brahma shielded his colleagues and tried to whitewash the evidence by abusing and putting the blame on the tribal person,” alleged Mohapatra.
He said the CDMO accused the husband of the deceased of not contacting anybody for a vehicle to take the body from the hospital to his village,” said Mohapatra.
“It is a clear case of several offenses under the SC/ST POA ACT and rules framed there under. Public authorities have wilfully and deliberately neglected their duties and attempted to whitewash the evidence,” the petitioner alleged.