Bargarh, Oct 18: Hrusikesh Bhoi, known for playing the iconic role of Kansa in Bargarh’s Dhanu Yatra, has been suspended from his in health department on charges of demanding and taking bribe.
Bargarh CDMO, Nirupama Sarangi issued his suspension order on Monday after investigating an allegation against him.
According to reports, Hrusikesh, employed as a government hearse driver, brought a body from Bargarh district headquarters hospital (DHH) to Bahala village in Gaisilet block on October 15.
The son of the deceased, Purna Chandra Sahu, had alleged that Hrusikesh sought Rs 3,000 from him after delivering the body at the village.
“My father died at Bargarh district headquarters hospital in Khedapali. When we brought the body home, the driver of the hearse demanded Rs 3,000 and once stopped the vehicle on the middle of the road asking for money. As the entire family was in a state of grief due to my father’s demise, my brother-in-law gave the money without any argument”.
The family initially resisted but eventually gave up and paid the sum. However, the next day, the family wrote a letter to CDMO, Bargarh, demanding action against Hrusikesh for demanding and accepting bribe.
Bargarh CDMO, Nirupama Sarangi had issued a show cause notice to Hrusikesh after receiving the complaint.
She had also formed a team to investigate the matter. The investigation revealed that Hrusikesh Bhoi demanded and taken Rs 3,000 for the service which is provided free of cost, especially for the poor.
In his defence, Hrusikesh had said, “One of his family members put the money in my shirt pocket recognizing me. I could not say anything at that time and I did not even count the money. Next day, I went back and returned the money.”
