Idol immersion turns sour: Youth critical after being swept away in Brahmani river

Jajpur: A local youth was admitted to the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in a critical condition after he was rescued from drowning in Brahmani river during the immersion of Saraswati idol at Tinimunhani under Bari block today.

According to sources, two youths from Daragha village were swept away by the strong currents during the idol immersion. The locals rescued the duo and rushed them to Bari Community Health Centre (CHC).

Later, one among the two youths was shifted to Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) after his condition deteriorated. The youth’s condition is stated to be serious.

The locals, meanwhile, alleged that they could not get government ambulance service to shift the youth from the CHC to the DHH. Besides, they also accused the doctors and nurses of the CHC of showing negligence towards the youth.

“We could not get an ambulance from the 108 fleet to shift the youth to the DHH. An ambulance from the 102 fleet, which was available at the CHC, developed some glitches. This has delayed the shifting of the youth to the DHH,” said a local.

The youth was later shifted to the DHH only after hundreds of people, including local BJP leader Ramesh Jena, reached the CHC and raised the issue before the authorities, sources said.

“The district administration should take the issue seriously and arrange better facilities at Bari CHH,” said another local.