Bhubaneswar, April 13 -- A judicial inquiry officially commenced on Monday into the tragic fire incident at the Trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack, which claimed the lives of 12 patients earlier this year. The probe, led by a former judge, began following directives issued by the State government in the aftermath of the devastating inferno.

The fire broke out on March 16, sending shockwaves across Odisha and raising serious concerns over hospital safety protocols and emergency preparedness. In response to public outrage and the gravity of the incident, the government ordered a judicial investigation to determine the exact cause and identify any lapses or negligence.

According to official sources, the...