A Class 5 student died on Tuesday, two days after consuming a meal at her government-run tribal residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, officials said, adding that more than 100 of her schoolmates have fallen ill after eating the same food, the PTI reported.
Over 100 students fall ill after school meal
Officials said students of the Kakabandha Ashram School complained of discomfort and fell ill after consuming food items “not mentioned in the authorised menu” on Sunday morning.
Parents allege contaminated food
According to PTI, parents of the affected students alleged that the children were served fermented rice (pakhala), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney, following which they suffered from vomiting and loose motion.
Students shifted to hospitals in serious condition
More than 100 students fell ill and were rushed to a local community health centre. Of them, 67 were later shifted to the PMR Medical College and Hospital in Baripada in a serious condition, officials said.
Class 5 student dies during treatment
“Rupali Besra, a Class 5 student, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital on Monday. Despite continuous medical intervention, she died on Tuesday morning,” Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kanta Say said, PTI reported.
Medical teams deployed, more cases monitored
“At present, 66 students are undergoing treatment at the hospital, while another 41 are admitted to the community health centre. One medical team has been sent to the health centre, while another is stationed at the school,” the collector added.
Some more students are being admitted to the hospital, he said.
Probe ordered, action against officials likely
“Along with a police probe, we will conduct an independent inquiry, as it has been alleged that the headmaster served food not listed on the menu. Action will be taken against the teachers and officials responsible for the incident,” he told PTI.
Police case registered on mother’s complaint
A police case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the deceased student’s mother, the collector added.
Villagers protest, block road
Following the incident, villagers blocked the Rasgovindpur–Jaleswar road, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and action against those responsible.
Headteacher suspended; ex gratia announced
The school’s headteacher, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended for negligence, and the government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 7 lakh for the victim’s family, officials said, the news agency reported.
Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital, met the affected students, and interacted with their parents.
(With PTI inputs)