1 Dead, Over 100 Students Hospitalised After Eating Mid-Day Meal In Odisha
Incident Overview
One student has died and over 100 others have been hospitalized after consuming a mid-day meal at a government-run tribal residential school in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. The incident occurred on Sunday, two days prior to the death of a Class 5 student named Rupali Besra.
Students from the Kakabandha Ashram School reported severe discomfort following a meal that included items not listed on the authorized menu. The students’ parents alleged that the meal consisted of fermented rice, mashed potatoes, and mango chutney, which led to symptoms of loose motion and vomiting.
Medical Response
In response to the students’ illnesses, more than 100 were taken to a local community health centre. Of those, 67 were subsequently transferred to PMR Medical College and Hospital in Baripada in critical condition. District officials stated that Rupali Besra was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Monday but unfortunately passed away on Tuesday morning despite continuous medical intervention.
As of now, 66 students remain under treatment at the hospital, while another 41 students are receiving care at the community health centre. A medical team has been deployed to the health centre, while another team is stationed at the school to assist the affected students.
Government and Local Reaction
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sorrow over the incident and ordered an investigation into the circumstances leading to the illnesses and the death. The revenue divisional commissioner for the central division has been tasked with conducting this investigation, with a visit scheduled to the area on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office announced a financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of the deceased student. Medical teams have been directed to ensure appropriate care for the affected students.
The District Collector, Hema Kanta Say, mentioned that more students continue to be admitted to the hospital. He confirmed that both a police investigation and an independent inquiry would be conducted, particularly focusing on allegations that the headmaster provided food items that were not included in the authorized menu. Disciplinary actions against the teachers and officials responsible are expected.
Community Response
The situation has provoked a strong reaction from local residents. Villagers blocked the Rasgovindpur-Jaleswar road on Tuesday, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and accountability for those involved in the incident.
The headteacher of the school, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended pending further investigation. Additionally, the government has announced a payment of Rs 7 lakh as ex gratia to the family of the deceased student.
Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospitalized students and spoke with their parents, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the situation and ensuring the safety of all students.
Political Response
The incident has garnered political attention, with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das expressing his anguish over the child’s death. He described the event as indicative of gross negligence and a systemic failure in ensuring student safety, calling for immediate accountability and reform.
