KENDRAPARA: The news of the arrest of Manoj Nayak, a promoter of SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar, on Thursday sent shock waves in his native Balurea village under Pattamundai block of Kendrapara district. Relatives and friends were glued to TV for updates about police investigation in the fire tragedy that claimed 21 lives. “We had met Manoj when he had come seven months back. We are shocked to learn about his arrest,” said Bharat Nayak, a close relative.
“Manoj has undertaken several developmental works in our village and its nearby areas. His father Daitari was headmaster of Baluria High School and after his death in 2007, Manoj formed Daitary Nayak Memorial Trust which provides help to around 500 poor, old aged, widows and destitute women. With his arrest, we feel headless,” said Gadadhar Mallick, chairperson of the trust.
“Manoj built a school, a temple, a community hall and each year, he organises health camps in our village. He has also been providing jobs to around 100 youths of our village and its nearby areas in his institutions,” said Chitta Ranjan Mallick a villager of Baluria.
However, one Ranjan Mallick said, “Since Manoj is responsible for the death of 21 patients, his arrest was inevitable and is welcome.”