In a distressing incident that has prompted a state-level inquiry, two brothers from Bangladesh were compelled to abandon their planned medical treatment in Bhubaneswar following a public confrontation at the city's airport. The Odisha government has now sought a detailed factual report on the events that unfolded on Sunday.
Airport Confrontation Derails Medical Mission
The siblings had arrived at the Bhubaneswar airport from Mumbai on Sunday with the sole purpose of seeking treatment for the elder brother at a private hospital in the city. Their journey took an unexpected turn when they attempted to hire a taxi. The cab driver, upon inquiring about their nationality and learning they were from Bangladesh, raised an alarm among others present at the airport.
This quickly escalated, with locals gathering under the suspicion that the two men might be illegal immigrants. The situation necessitated the intervention of the Airport police, who took the brothers into custody to verify their credentials.
Valid Documents But a Journey Cut Short
A police officer involved in the case confirmed that the visas and all other travel documents of the two brothers were thoroughly examined following the allegations. The verification process established that their documents were entirely valid and legal. Consequently, the police released the duo.
However, the harrowing experience at the airport left them with no choice but to cancel their medical plans. Instead of proceeding to the hospital, the brothers boarded a flight back to Mumbai, their treatment unmet.
State Health Department Launches Probe
The incident came to the notice of the state health department, which has taken a serious view of the matter. Commissioner-cum-secretary of the health department, Aswathy S, stated that they have officially sought a factual report on why the two Bangladeshi nationals had to return without receiving the medical treatment they travelled for.
"The department will take appropriate steps once it gets the report," she assured. This move underscores the administrative concern over the incident, which highlights the challenges faced by international patients travelling to India for healthcare.
The episode raises critical questions about public sensitivity and protocol handling for foreign nationals arriving for critical purposes like medical aid, even as authorities affirm the legality of the patients' stay.
