Sick Padma Sri awardee Kamala Pujari forced to dance inside ICU of SCB Hospital

Pujari, who was conferred with Padma Sri in 2019 for promoting organic farming and preserving over 100 varieties of indigenous seeds of different crops, including paddy, was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack with some kidney ailments.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had wished her a speedy recovery. The incident occurred before her discharge from the hospital on Monday.

The hospital authorities said Pujari was admitted to a special cabin and not in the ICU.

"The woman who allegedly made Pujari dance used to visit her at the special cabin. The nurses were not there when they danced," said Dr. Abinash Rout, the registrar, and administration, of the hospital.

Pujari's attendant Rajeeb Hial said the Padma Sri awardee does not know Behera, who had also clicked several selfies with Pujari.

Behera, however, clarified that she had no bad intention, but wanted to shun Pujari's laziness.

Pujari belongs to the Paraja community, a major Scheduled Tribe of Odisha. They comprise around 4 per cent of the state's tribal population.

They inhabit the hills and valleys of southern Odisha districts of Koraput, Nabrangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, and Rayagada, an official said.

Also Read:MP: 70-year-old woman's head wound dressed with condom wrapper, probe ordered