Bhubaneswar, Nov. 9: The State Commission for Women, which probed into the death of ayurvedic doctor Madhabilata Pradhan, has recommended action against the chief district medical officer of Puri for the “illegal transfer” of the deceased doctor.

“The chief district medical officer (CDMO) has not followed the guidelines of the government, the order of the collector and suggestion of the health minister,” said commission chairperson Jyoti Panigrahi in her report submitted to the government today. Panigrahi claimed that the 34-year-old doctor had committed suicide.

Madhabilata was missing since October 12. The railway police told the media on October 26 that her body was found on the railway tracks at Malatipatpur railway station near Puri on the day she was reported missing. However, no one claimed her body and it was buried in the graveyard. Police said that the family members identified her on October 26 from her photograph and the footwear found on the tracks.

Later, the body was found missing from the graveyard.

The commission’s report buttresses the argument of the Opposition that the doctor was transferred at the instance of BJD youth wing president Sanjay Dasburma. According to rules, an Ayush doctor was not supposed to be transferred. The Opposition Congress and other voluntary organisations have alleged that Madhabilata was forced to commit suicide because she was being transferred. She had made several rounds to get her transfer order stalled.

Her family members, however, have filed a writ petition in Orissa High Court. They suspect that she was kidnapped and later murdered. The state government ordered a crime branch probe on November 5 following public outcry.

Women Commission chairperson, who took up the fact-finding inquiry on November 1, visited the spot, graveyard and police station. She spoke to Madhabilata’s relatives and perused documents.

“The deceased was under orders of transfer. She was suffering from anaemia and also facing financial problems. She remained unmarried till the age of 34 because of family problems. These may be the reasons for her mental stress. This should be investigated thoroughly,” said the commission’s report.

On the transfer of Madhabilata, the report said: “The Puri CDMO had sent a proposal to the district collector to transfer Madhabilata from Reban Nuagaon community health centre to Kanas. The district collector had directed the CDMO to ask for her consent. But without doing so, the CDMO passed the transfer order. Further, the guidelines and advice of health minister were not followed. Hence, the transfer order is illegal.”