Security Guard’s Death at Nuapada DHH Sparks Political Firestorm Over Unpaid Wages
Nuapada, Odisha — Tensions flared at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Nuapada after a security guard, Laghutam Sahu (46), was found dead on the hospital premises in a suspected suicide.
Sahu, a resident of Parsabuda village and employed through an outsourcing agency, had reportedly not received his salary for the past nine months.
His body was discovered around 5 PM atop a safety tank within the hospital compound. Preliminary reports suggest he may have jumped from the hospital roof, though police have stated that the exact cause of death will be confirmed after a post-mortem.
The incident triggered immediate political and public outrage. BJD workers blocked National Highway 353, halting traffic and escalating tensions.
Soon after, both BJD and Congress leaders staged demonstrations outside the Chief District Medical Officer’s office, demanding justice and compensation for the deceased’s family.
Leading the protests were BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria and Congress PCC President Bhakta Das, who accused the administration of negligence and called for the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
Protesters highlighted the broader issue of delayed payments and exploitation of outsourced workers in Odisha’s public health sector.
As the agitation continues, administrative officials have yet to issue a formal statement.
The incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over labour rights and government accountability in outsourced healthcare services
