Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: Tension ran high at the camp of the Special Operation Group (SOG) at Chandaka on the outskirts of the city following the death of a 27-year-old jawan during training this morning.
His colleagues staged a demonstration in front of the training centre alleging delay in the victim's treatment. The agitators also alleged that the authorities had forced the victim, Laxmi Narayan Pradhan, to run in spite of the fact that he had complained of uneasiness. They ended the two-hour demonstration after senior officers intervened and promised to look into their grievances.
His colleagues alleged that Pradhan was asked to complete a 10km run in the morning though he had earlier complained of not being well. "He fainted soon after completing the run. He was rushed to the health care unit at the training centre. Later, he was rushed to Capital Hospital, where he was declared received dead," said a jawan.
Another jawan said Pradhan on Sunday completed the training and complained of not feeling well. "Pradhan was initially reluctant to attend today's training, but he was asked to complete the run. Besides, the authorities delayed medical assistance to him, leading to his death," alleged the jawan.
Following the agitation, director (intelligence) Sunil Roy and inspector general (operations) S.K. Priyadarshi rushed to the camp and held discussions with the demonstrators.
"It appears to be a case of cardiac problem, but the exact cause of death can only be ascertained after the post-mortem. Last week, he had complained about his illness and he was not asked to run. However, he did not complain today and even managed to cover the distance before the stipulated time. Compensation will be paid to the family of the deceased following government rules," said Priyadarshi.
Sources said the deceased had joined the Odisha State Armed Police in 2011 and was deputed to the SOG six weeks ago. Each jawan of the SOG undergoes 13 months of training, which includes non-conventional warfare, storming of hideouts and dealing with hostage situations.
The state government created the SOG in 2004 to deal with special purpose operations, including anti-terrorist and anti-insurgent activities. The SOG consists of 462 operational staff members, and their operations are mostly focused in the Maoist-dominated areas.
