50 with criminal records donate blood at camp | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Theft accused Sanjay Swain (43), who faced social stigma due to his criminal history, experienced a rare moment to serve the society when city police invited him to participate in a blood donation drive on Wednesday. He accepted the invitation and, just like around 50 other donors who have criminal records, donated blood. All of them, who were arrested on charges of snatching, drug peddling, assault and sexual harassment, among others, are currently out on bail.
“This initiative, first-of-its-kind in country, is aimed to engage them with the community and encourage them to contribute positively to society through such responsible actions. This should help them join the mainstream,” commissioner of police S Dev Datta Singh said while inaugurating the camp.
Other police officers said it is a new initiative to bridge the gap between law enforcement and former offenders, marking a significant step towards community rehabilitation.
Among the donors was an alleged chain snatcher Ratnakar Sahoo (20), who, despite his past brushes with the law, found himself sitting with other former offenders at the city’s 7th armed police battalion, rolling up his sleeve for a noble cause. “When the police approached me about donating blood, I was surprised but grateful for the opportunity to help others. It feels good to know that my blood could save someone’s life, regardless of my past,” Sahoo said, holding a certificate of appreciation for donating blood.
Another police officer said, “These people should take it as an opportunity to reform themselves and behave more responsibly. We believe in second chances and the power of community engagement.”
Medical officials at the blood bank reported collecting over 50 units of blood. “Blood doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we. Every donation helps save lives, and the donors have demonstrated remarkable community spirit. The blood would be used to treat patients suffering from thalassaemia,” a doctor said.
The event garnered attention from social workers and rehabilitation experts. “The initiative breaks down barriers and helps former offenders reintegrate into society,” said Amrita Mohanty, a local social worker.
Police officers said all donors underwent standard medical screening procedures, and the collection process followed regular protocols. The department plans to organise similar drives in the future, viewing them as an effective way to promote rehabilitation and community service.
“This initiative, first-of-its-kind in country, is aimed to engage them with the community and encourage them to contribute positively to society through such responsible actions. This should help them join the mainstream,” commissioner of police S Dev Datta Singh said while inaugurating the camp.
Other police officers said it is a new initiative to bridge the gap between law enforcement and former offenders, marking a significant step towards community rehabilitation.
Among the donors was an alleged chain snatcher Ratnakar Sahoo (20), who, despite his past brushes with the law, found himself sitting with other former offenders at the city’s 7th armed police battalion, rolling up his sleeve for a noble cause. “When the police approached me about donating blood, I was surprised but grateful for the opportunity to help others. It feels good to know that my blood could save someone’s life, regardless of my past,” Sahoo said, holding a certificate of appreciation for donating blood.
Another police officer said, “These people should take it as an opportunity to reform themselves and behave more responsibly. We believe in second chances and the power of community engagement.”
Medical officials at the blood bank reported collecting over 50 units of blood. “Blood doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we. Every donation helps save lives, and the donors have demonstrated remarkable community spirit. The blood would be used to treat patients suffering from thalassaemia,” a doctor said.
The event garnered attention from social workers and rehabilitation experts. “The initiative breaks down barriers and helps former offenders reintegrate into society,” said Amrita Mohanty, a local social worker.
Police officers said all donors underwent standard medical screening procedures, and the collection process followed regular protocols. The department plans to organise similar drives in the future, viewing them as an effective way to promote rehabilitation and community service.
