Chandannagar: She was one of the frontline Covid warriors in Hooghly district in West Bengal during the Coronavirus pandemic. Her chief goal was to ensure that no Corona infected patient of Chandannagar sub division, gets to suffer without proper treatment. Whenever she got the news of any infected person, being refused by hospital, Debdatta Roy intervened and ensured bed for the patient. And she played a major role in Dankuni to facilitate the return of the migrant labourers from different states.


This brave lady, however, lost her own battle against Covid 19. Her fight against all the odds came to an end at an age of 38 only! Debdatta, who had set example in terms of helping and supporting people during the pandemic, is one of the twelve Corona fighters of West Bengal who lost their lives.

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And the entire department is morose for this great loss. Moumita Saha, the SDO of Chandannagar under whom Debdatta worked as a deputy magistrate, is almost speechless. How was Debdatta as a human being? “She was very calm and composed. She could handle any situation with ease. Talk less and work more was her motto”, told Moumita over the phone. She added, “Debdatta was very close to me. We shared a great relationship apart from the office. She loved to read books. Whenever she could manage some time for herself, she sat down to read. Her son is only four years old. Despite the huge responsibility in this emergency situation, she was a great, affectionate mother, quite naturally.”



Debdatta was previously the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Purulia. She was later transferred to Hooghly and joined as the deputy magistrate of the SDO of Chandannagar. How challenging was her role during this pandemic? Moumita said, “She had to face a very tough situation. But what was astonishing about Debdatta that she made everything look so easy. Migrant labourers of Hooghly, who returned from different states, gathered at Dankuni. We made sure that each and everyone get back to their residence. Debdatta was in charge of the entire process.” There was every chance of getting infected while supervising the home return process of the migrant labourers. But Debdatta carried out her responsibility with perfection, winning acclaim in the state administration.

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But her responsibility was not over after the migrants returned to their native places as many faced obstruction from their neighbours to enter their respective homes due to some misconception. Debdatta, along with Moumita stretched her helping hands. “We had long conversation with the people. We assured them safety, which led them to overcome their unnecessary fear,” asserted Moumita. She further added, “People also face problem to resume work after being cured from Corona. We frequently heard such incidents and intervened without delay. The situation at Urdi bazaar here was worst and people who overcame Corona were barred to rejoin work. We made the concerned authority understand. We convinced them that once one gets cured, there is no chance of transmission from him or her. So let them resume work. People listened to us. Debdatta was very enthusiastic to resolve such problems.”

Late Debdatta’s husband Pabitra, 4 year-old son and mother in law are also infected and are going through treatment in a nursing home in Kolkata. As of now, their condition is stable. Debdatta was on leave from 1st of July and got infected later. That is why none of her colleagues have to go through quarantine. Moumita said, “Debdatta always tried to make sure that every Covid 19 patient got proper treatment. She ensured hospital beds for every Corona infected. She was loved and respected by everybody. Debdatta will be remembered for her work only.”

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