A large number of supporters of Manojranjan Nayak, the founder-president of SOA Charitable Trust that runs SUM Hospital, today staged demonstration protesting his arrest in front of Khandagiri Police Station here.
The demonstrators, which included employees of SOA University and residents of nearby villages, protested against the arrest of Nayak made on the basis of an FIR filed by the fire service department.
Bhubaneswar DCP Saytabrata Bhoi rushed to the spot and the demonstrators dispersed.
Demonstrations were also organised in Jeypore and Berhampur. Nayak's supporters staged demonstration before office of the IG, Southern Range at Berhampur.
Kalinga Gramya Unnayan Parishad, an outfit of villagers, also participated in the demonstration and alleged that the livelihood of a number of locals will get affected if the hospital is closed over the fire mishap.
The Odisha Private Hospital Owners Association also came in support of Nayak.
"We demand withdrawal of case against Nayak and his release. This is because the state government has not formulated rules under the Odisha Clinical Establishment (control and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016," the association's secretary Aditya Prasad Routray said.
It also threatened to launch an agitation if the case is not withdrawn.
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