SBI's Silchar Main Branch employee succumbs to COVID19; "Commercial establishments won't be contained," Administration

Yesterday, Health Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that Jibon Kumar Roy of Cachar district has succumbed to COVID19 infection. 45-year-old, Jibon Roy was employed with State Bank of India as the head messenger at the main branch in Silchar.

Jibon Roy lived at a rented apartment in Irongmara and Thursday complained about a slight cough. “When he told me about his mild illness, I suggested him to seek leave. However, on Sunday his condition deteriorated and he was rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. As per available information, late Sunday or early Monday he breathed his last,” informed Assistant General Manager of Silchar Main Branch, Susanta Dutta.

The State Bank Officials managed to establish a connection with Jibon Kumar Roy’s family. “He is an original inhabitant of Abhay Puri village in Bongaigaon district. His mother has reached Silchar but we are yet to break the news to her. Apart from his mother, Jibon has a younger sister too,” added Dutta.

As per available information, Jibon Kumar Roy’s mother along with three others who have traveled from Bongaigaon are put up in Hotel Ellora. “The cremation will be done according to the COVID protocol and the administration is yet to share more details about the location,” said Dutta.

Moments after the news broke in the banking fraternity, anxiety crept in. Silchar Branch serves up to 1000 customers per day and there was an uncertainty on the steps that the district administration will take. Some even shared views in favour of turning the entire branch into a containment zone.

However, additional deputy commissioner of Cachar informed that SBI’s Silchar branch will not be turned into a containment zone.

He said, “No commercial complex is to be contained.” However, he added, “All others to be tested, negative person to continue working after sanitisation of the premise.”