The National Human Rights Commission issued notice to the Odisha government over the deaths of 20 persons in the October 17 fire that broke out in Bhubaneswar's SUM Hospitals.

According to the commission, it observed that the SUM Hospitals was warned as early as 2013, for not adhering to safety norms but the hospital authorities ignored.

The commission said that, "The callous attitude and lapses of the authorities, if any, amount to violation of right to life of the patients."

"It is a matter of shock how the state authorities allowed such a large number of hospitals to function without proper fire safety clearance," said the NHRC.

It issued a notice to the Odisha government through its Chief Secretary, and asked for a report on the incident within six weeks.

Also Read: At least 22 killed, several injured as fire engulfs SUM hospital in Bhubaneswar

Nandini